Father Thunder / Mother Night: Hell to Pay Chapter 0 "The Ballad of Mercy Tyler"

Father Thunder / Mother Night: Hell to Pay Chapter 0 "The Ballad of Mercy Tyler": Point a shotgun at someone and it changes their perspective. Mercy Tyler had the draw on a group of redneck teenagers who picked the wrong...

The Contract

THE CONTRACT

Lyn examined the paperwork before. The reality of it still hadn’t set in completely, though the excitement pulsed in her veins as she tried to bring to light what was really happening. Her name marked the first page, as well as the title of the publishing company that had chosen her.

Hellfire Publishing had chosen her book, and now all she had to do was sign her name on the dotted line.

            Gripping the pen before her, she moved her hand to the final line of the contract, hesitating just before the ink bonded to the paper. Words she spoke earlier echoed in her head; voicing an unsung warning of what she hade said. It was just a joke, yet something inside her gut stirred, creating an almost uneasiness within the pit of her stomach.

            “Before I sell my soul to Hellfire...” Lyn laughed it off. It was just a joke anyways. There was nothing to worry about. She was just nervous, wondering if she was truly good enough to make it. But, they wanted her. Well, she had to be good enough. Right?

            The pen carried across the line, etching her name permanently into the paper, binding her to this publishing company. As she gathered the papers back together, she carefully began to slide the contract into the manila envelope, already stamped and ready to go. The edge of her finger caught the paper, thinly slicing into her skin, and releasing a delicate crimson line. Lyn hissed at the pain and began nursing the wound. She slipped the contract in and sealed the envelope, not realizing her blood had left a mark on the contract itself. Sealed, she ran to the mailbox to drop off her future.

~~~6 Months Later~~~

            Etched against the display of trees and a darkening sky, the eerie mansion stood before her . The grey sky wrapped itself around the building, blanketing it with a coldness that sent shivers down her spine. Lyn’s hands reached up to knock on the solid oak, as a voice whispered in the back of her head to run, and never look back. She tucked it away, ignoring its warning, as she nervously tapped her knuckles to the door.

            The wooden frame before her creaked as the mahogany doors pried apart. Lyn eagerly stood, waiting to see who would be greeting her. A dark hallway opened up before her, but there stood no one. Eerie stillness was her only greeting.

            “Hello?” Lyn called into the vast shadows.

            Silence answered her back. She stood a moment longer, and then decided to enter cautiously. Looking around, she could see stone walls decorated with scattered portraits. She studied them as she made her way down the corridor, gazing at the wonderment of how beautiful each one of them looked.

            One caught her eye immediately. It was Dawn Binkley, Chief Editor of Hellfire Publishing. She looked just like her photo from the websites. Lyn tried to let the familiarity of her face set in and ease the jittery feeling coursing through her veins. Something in the air was unsettling, rattling her nerves, but still she pressed on.

            Several portraits marked the walls as she carried on. She saw Ran’s portrait further down. His eyes seemed to follow her as she walked by, studying her and welcoming her in a way that chilled her core. The painting was the same as the photo she had seen earlier from online. It was as if he had been painted in the renaissance era, and not aged a day since. His soul seemed ages old, as he beckoned with his eyes for her to proceed.

            Lyn passed by the rest of the paintings, more familiar faces peering down at her with idle eyes. All the authors and staff for Hellfire were there, staking their place along the cemented corridor. At the end of the hallway, she found another portrait being placed by a man in a workers jumpsuit. It was Jen Gunn, Hellfire’s newest “demon” being displayed. She gawked in amazement at how accurately captured these authors seemed to be portrayed. It was if their soul’s were bound within, just as the oil of the paints had trapped themselves to the canvas.

Suddenly, she realized she hadn’t seen hers. Maybe they would be making her sit down for this later. Then again, Lyn truly hoped not. She didn’t consider herself photogenic in the least bit. And she found no need for her “mug” to become supersized and plastered on a wall for all to see.

            Another set of doors beckoned at the end of the walkway. Lyn pressed gently through them, as goose bumps riddled her arms. She marked it off to the decorum and ancient ora, trying to turn this fear inside of her as just a result of the scenery around her. It had to be set up like this on purpose; to get a rise out of its visitors. Nothing more, nothing less. They were a horror publishing company, after all.

            “Lyn!” a female’s voice called her name.

To be continued next week on the Hellfire Herald http://hellfireherald.blogspot.com/

Hello Campers!

With the ending of Summer and the seasonal changes to come, it is with much sadness that Hellfire Publishing will be extinguishing The Campfire. We have had a lot of fun the past few months and hope you the readers, will venture over to the Hellfire Herald http://hellfireherald.blogspot.com/ where all the fun and craziness will continue! All the recent posts you have been reading here on The Campfire will now be solely posted on the Hellfire Herald.

We would like to give a special thanks to Robin Renee Ray, for contributing week after week doing the Friday Frights. She does tell one mean and thrilling horror story! We know they were very popular and a little birdie has told us, that a certain someone just may be continuing Friday Frights on her personal blog. http://robinreneeray.blogspot.com/

We have ended The Campfire with the start of the final campfire tale The Contract by Lyn Croft. You don’t want to miss out on reading this entire story to find out what happens! You just need to head on over the Hellfire Herald where the story will be continued each Saturday.

We’re also aware that our very own Savannah Rayne will be doing some pretty cool stuff on her blog Hugs & Nightmares from Savannah Rayne http://savannahrayne.blogspot.com/  Starting on Tuesday September 6^th. Here’s a peek at what you’ll find there:

Monday (something special, you’ll have to stop by to find out, lol)

Tuesday- Typo Tuesday’s

Wednesday- Where Were You When… Wednesday’s

Thursday- Top Ten Thursday’s

Friday- Friendly Friday’s

If you’ve been reading Savannah’s interviews you already know she’s quite the nut and we all love her, so you might just want to stroll over to her blog and see what’s up her sleeve.

So with that, we’ll say our fond good-bye. You have all been wonderful and Hellfire Publishing wants to thank each and every one of you, for your support and dedication.

Warmest Wishes,

The Staff & Author’s at Hellfire Publishing   http://www.hellfirepublishing.com/

Twelve Things You Didn't Know Thursday!

12 Things You Didn’t Know About  J. Gunn 

1.      I know some of you DO know this one as it is also an aversion to you as well, I can’t stand Spiders!

2.      I’m from a rural community, and the biggest city we have only has about 25,000 people last I checked.

3.      I used to be shy.

4.      I love historical things, buildings, etc. I think my mind is stuck in the Victorian Era! LOL!

5.      I used to sing in the choir both school and church.

6.      I know how to sew.

7.      I love drawing.

8.      Summer is my favorite season.

9.      I hate wearing shoes.

10.  My favorite color is pink, and I am charitable toward breast cancer because I have been tested for it myself at age 28 and found with a clean bill of health, but I still feel for the women who go through that.

11.  I’m not the perfect housekeeper…perfect in my imperfections always!

12.  I’m not really insane, I just play an insane person on TV…LOL! JK, I never made it to Hollywood! LOL!

Well there you have it folks, 12 things about me you may not know! Enjoy your day!!! Big smiles from me and huge hugs!

Writer to Writer Wednesday

Welcome to another week of Writer to Writer Wednesday!


Today, Jennifer Gunn interviews


 Savannah Rayne

                                          Jen: Hello Savannah, how are you today?

Savannah: Hi Jen! I’m doing super great!

Jen: I have read Oh, Deer and just wanted to ask, what made you choose Horror as your starting point in writing?

Savannah: Well, it kind of chose me, lol. Honestly, when I thought about giving writing a shot there was only one company I wanted to be published by and that was Hellfire Publishing. At the opening of HP, their accepted submissions were more horror based. Therefore, horror I wrote! I’ve had a long time love affair with horror, so it was also pretty familiar territory for me.

Jen: Also, with all the jobs that we all know you do, where on earth do you find the time? LOL!

Savannah: You tell me and we’ll both know! LOL Most people don’t realize that doing what I do and love, (from in-home day care to everything HP related) means I don’t punch out at 5pm. Most evenings go late, some as late as midnight or longer. I start my weekdays at 4:30am. Most weekends are also spent working on something HP related. But, I’m not a lone martyr in the HP cause. The Head Demon works even longer and harder than I do. Thankfully, my guy is super understanding and believes in me and HP. However, I have to admit there are those rare moments where enough is enough and I sit and watch a movie with my sweetie and have some popcorn. But it’s all worth it, whether doing work for HP or writing, I can start my day doing both in my jammies and having several cups of coffee!

Jen: What made you want to be an Author?

Savannah: Want, is the wrong word. Becoming an author was one of life’s sweet surprises. It just happened. A dear friend told me I had a natural talent for writing and that I should give it a try. So, I did. It was then that I realized I really love writing. I guess I’m one of those people who did it backwards from everyone else, lol. Now I itch to write a little bit when I can!

Jen: What made you think of the idea for Oh, Deer?

Savannah: It’s a rather funny story actually. You can read the entire How it all Began, on my blog. But the short of it is, a friend from up north called, telling me about all the deer that were in her yard one day….and a story was born.

Jen: What are your favorite genre(s) to read and why?

Savannah: Oh that’s a hard one for me…really. I have always loved to read and I can pretty much read anything. Horror and Romance top the list. But I love a good mystery, thriller, biography, self-help…cereal box, LOL. Honestly, I could never narrow it down. My sister was once asked if “Savannah was on a deserted island, what one thing would she have in her possession?”…her answer was “a book”.

Jen: Is there anything you want to share that you might be working on at this time? If so, we certainly want to know!

Savannah: Well, there’s quite a few actually. I have a few horror, a couple of romances and a thriller/suspense I’m working on right now. There’s 8 in total, now I just need to finish them all! My hope is to have at least one more completed by years end.

Jen: Do you have any web sites or blogs you wish to share with us today? And where else can we find you on the web?

Savannah: You mean like actual sites? Really? People don’t just yell into their computers “SAVANNAH”…huh… I thought that’s what all those voices I’ve been hearing were. I always answer too! Damn! The things you find out at an interview! Okay, in all seriousness you can find me at:

http://savannahrayne.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/people/Savannah-Rayne/100000962909070

http://twitter.com/#!/SavannahRayne1

Jen: (giggles) I heard you were a nut, but in a good way of course!

Jen: Do you like or even read Poetry? If so tell us who your favorite is…no you don’t have to say me, LOL!

Savannah: I do like poetry and have read some. As for a favorite, why J.Gunn of course!

As a teenager I wrote a lot of poetry as kind of ‘self-expression therapy’ for some not-so-nice things that were going on in my life. Putting your thoughts into words on paper can be very healing.

Jen: I would like to know what inspires you to write and why? I’m sure the audience is curious as well…

Savannah: Hmmm, you really do pose some tough questions, lol.

Jen: Well, that is why I’m here **wink** (giggles some more)

Savannah: I don’t know that I have an answer to that. Inspire is such a strong word. All I can say is my love of reading goes way back. It helps me relax; and allows me to have some “me” time. I guess I hope that the things I write will do the same for someone. Maybe make someone smile, laugh, cry, relate to a certain character or situation…or sleep with the lights on.

Jen: Are there any Writers in particular that you can say you draw inspiration and ideas from?

Savannah: All the talented writers at Hellfire Publishing…and no, that’s not kissing butt! I have been honored with getting to know these wonderful people. The fact that we’re almost all newly published first-timers and going through the same experiences at the same time, makes those people my inspiration! The support, strength, help and caring that this group gives is amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better writer/publishing family.

Jen: What scares you in real life? And is it something we might see a story about later on?

Savannah: The Dark…I hate the dark. I’ve told my kids they better put a nightlight and flashlights in my coffin or I will haunt their little evil butts, lol. It began when I saw the 1973 movie (I was 10) “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark”…I’m so glad to know they just re-made that movie and it comes out this month. Will I be going to see it?...HELL-TO-THE-NO! Nope, not this girl! And yes, that fear will probably show up in a story someday **wink**

Jen: When it comes to ‘killing’ what is your favorite way for a character to die? Oh I am a curious one, LOL!

Savannah: Hmmmm, that’s tough. I guess anything unexpected or with a twist would be my choice. Something that wouldn’t seem dangerous or typical…like a staple gun! Ha Ha

Jen: What is your favorite supernatural/paranormal creature and why?

Savannah: Ghosts/Spirits… First, because I believe in them. I don’t believe our spirit just “dies” when our physical body has. I believe there is something for us after death. I also believe because I have had first-hand experiences with spirits through my dreams. They’re more like visions. I have received warnings and visions of things that have then actually happened later on. Scares the bejesus out of my family and friends. You weren’t expecting that answer, were you? LOL

Jen: LOL! I just keep on getting inquisitive! Well Savannah I think we will learn a lot about you after this interview is done!

Savannah: Hmmm, is it too late to run? LOL

Jen: I want to see more by you in the future, is there anything else that you plan on releasing this year, such as a part 2 to Oh, Deer? (I’m dying to know)

Savannah: I was recently offered a multi-book contract from Hellfire Publishing, so yep, I’m betting you’ll be seeing more of my work in the near future J As for an Oh, Deer part 2…we’ll just have to wait and see. Several people have asked that same question, but I just honestly haven’t decided yet.

Jen: Well I think I have rambled on long enough! I hope you all enjoyed a look into the mind of this our very own Savannah Rayne and glimpses into her world. Hope you all are having a lovely day! Keep reading!!!

Table Talk Tuesday with Senior Editor Julanne

Interview between Hellfire Publishing executive editor, Dawn Binkley and senior editor, Julanne.

Hello, welcome to Table Talk Tuesday we are so very glad to have you with us. Hellfire Publishing would like to extend a warm welcome to Julanne. Applause please J

Dawn: How are you doing today?

Julanne: Fantastic, I am sitting in my pj’s with a glass of chocolate milk wishing I had a cookie... maybe I might go make myself some brownies later…

Dawn’s Reply: I know, isn’t this just the life.

Dawn: You have been with Hellfire Publishing from the beginning what is it like starting with a smaller independent company do you suppose to in comparison to ‘a big house.’

Julanne: I suppose a ‘big house’ would have a problem with me coming to work in my pj’s.  Joking aside, I think the word independent says it all.  With Hellfire Publishing, I have a lot more control on my schedule and a lot more independence in really focusing the author’s individual creativity to shine through.

Dawn’s Reply: You make an excellent point.

Dawn: This is your first editing job with a publishing company. What made you choose to become an editor?

Julanne: In a way I have always done editing. I was always a go-to person for “Hey can you take a look at this and tell me what you think?”  Naturally I would edit and point out mistakes.  Also as a person who loves to read, editing is a natural fit for me.  I get to read these fantastic works by talented authors where I can help clean up a lot of common errors that always annoyed me when I would read a book.

Dawn’s Reply: Natural is the keyword here, you are a natural at editing.

Dawn: How did it feel the first time a writer requested you be their Editor?

Julanne: It was very rewarding to know that my insight and abilities were appreciated.  Actually I was visiting my sister when I found out, and she does not have a rolling desk chair.  I attempted to jump out of the chair, instead I hit my knee on the table and I think I pulled a hamstring.  But other than that I was very happy.

Dawn’s Reply: Sorry this job doesn’t come with insurance, LOL. It will eventually, will you survive until then? LOL

Dawn: How did it feel when a story you edited got rave reviews?

Julanne: Being that I’ve never done professional editing before, it was especially exciting and gratifying. I was like “Yay, I knew it, I helped with that.”

Dawn’s Reply: That’s an awesome feeling, I know.

Dawn: What made you choose Hellfire Publishing?

Julanne: My boyfriend used to hang around in your comic book store and told me about your publishing company.  He suggested I check it out and maybe look into becoming an editor.  I had just finished writing a series of research papers for people and decided a change of pace would be good.  Now I’m hooked, editing is so much better than writing research papers.

Dawn’s Reply: I am so glad to hear that, it’s a great fit for you.

Dawn: Tell us what you are currently working on.

Julanne: I just finished the first round editing of a new work called Shades of White by a very talented and very young author.  I am currently finishing up the first round of edits on Ace of Swords, the latest by Sara Curran-Ross.  Sara is a wonderful writer and I love working with her.

Sara is wonderful, we love her, I concur that the author of Shades of White, the teenage Kayvee Tiaren is very talented right here, right now and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her. The sky is the limit for these very talented ladies.

Dawn: We have a special place for unpublished writers in our hearts, here at Hellfire Publishing. So what advice would you give to an unpublished writer?

Julanne: Let a friend, especially one who reads a lot, read your work and really listen to what they have to say from their perspective as a reader, not as someone looking for mistakes—although I appreciate that effort—but to gain some perspective as to how the story is moving and unfolding.

Dawn’s Reply: Amen!

Dawn: Are you only with Hellfire Publishing or do edit for other publisher’s as well?

Julanne: I only edit for HP :)

Dawn’s Reply: We are so happy to hear that.

Dawn: Can you share your bio with us?

Julanne: Yes

Julanne Batterton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale with a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Classics. While at Southern she took courses ranging from the U.S. legal system, U.S. government, and international relations; ancient Roman and Greek culture, Latin, and Roman literature including translating Livy, Virgil, and Ovid; studying ancient Celtic mythology and literature; and studying genetics, geology, and paleontology.

She participated in a study-abroad program to Italy studying ancient Roman art and architecture and toured archeological dig-sites beneath the Vatican and Herculaneum and Pompeii.

Graduated with a Juris Doctorate from University of Oregon School of Law. While at Oregon Law she studied environmental law issues ranging from international environmental treaties to endangered species to hazardous wastes, studied alternative dispute resolution and mediation, and obtained a certification in conducting basic mediation. Served for a summer as a legislative intern to the Oregon State House.

Julanne is an avid reader.  As the daughter of a librarian, she literally grew up in a library.  She loves being surrounded by books, whether it is an old classic, a new release, or a cookbook, and owns no less than three fully stocked bookshelves.  Her other hobbies include horse-back riding, playing video games, knitting, and she is considered a master baker by friends and family.

Dawn’s reply: What an awesome life you live!

One lucky commenter will win a free e-copy of Knight of Swords that was edited personally by Julanne.

Dawn Binkley

Executive Dawn

Hellfire Publishing

www.hellfirepublishing.com

Fall Newsletter Part 1

Welcome to our quarterly newsletter, this is for our fans as well as our writers to keep up to date with all the very cool things going on at Hellfire Publishing.

We have so many things planned for this great fall of ours…

Reader’s you will want to join in on these parties and blogs, because we love to talk and giveaway free stuff.

Twitter party— free eBook’s and touch—base with your favorite Hellfire Publishing writer’s and Hellfire staff and fellow HP fans. Saturday October 1, 2011 11pm central to 2pm central. http://twitter.com/#!/hellfirepub

Blog and Facebook Combo party— I hope you enjoyed Hellfire Publishing’s first Blog and Facebook party combo. Our next one will be a Halloween bash on October 15, 2011 Our writers will bring a free eBook and a Halloween virtual food, beverage and/or cool horror pic on the Hellfire Herald. http://www.facebook.com/hellfirepublishing

The Hellfire Herald and Campfire—

The daily blogging has been a raving success. Thank you everyone J

Monday’s with the Editor— will be Dark this coming Monday, but will be back the next week, with a new name and format, but will come with the same help for upcoming authors as it always has.  It will include advice from many editors and an added bonus of advice from published writers from all over, not just HP.

Table Talk Tuesday— this has been a blast and can’t wait for the next great one on one interview day with your host, Dawn Binkley.

Writer to Writer Wednesday— this seems to be everybody’s favorite.

Thursday’s twelve things you didn’t know —This one is my favorite, even in today’s day and age of Facebook, twitter and 9 million other social gatherings, writers are still very reclusive and tight lipped about their personal lives, this is the day that everyone me included gets the “real scoop” on writers and HP staff.

Free Friday—has changed to open blogging, it could be about anything and I mean anything. So sends those blog into our resident blog-maven for her consideration. blogmaven@hellfirepublishing.com

I mentioned in our last newsletter that Hellfire Publishing has given away over one hundred free eBooks since its debut, that does not count the many books given away by our individual authors. …well since then HP has joined the efforts of operation eBook drop and we gave away ten times that in one sitting to our Military.

More News

Hellfire Publishing has added a news page, where you can keep up to date on our HP news. http://www.hellfirepublishing.com/news.html

Our charity efforts— Hellfire publishing has always been big into giving back. To find out more got to http://hellfireherald.blogspot.com/p/hot-causes.html

Announcement— Next week will we be revealing our fall release line-up!

Submission calls for Holiday stories—

We want anything Holiday related from ooohy gooey holiday romance, to people being chopped up and served in the fruitcake and everything in between. Same sub rules apply for this holiday themed stories as regular submissions, except they can be more than 60,000 words and that is max. The deadline for any holiday eBook is October 15, 2011. http://www.hellfirepublishing.com/submissions.html

Submission calls for Holiday themed anthologies—

Debuting October 31^st in celebration of Halloween, we will be releasing one horror and one paranormal romance anthology. Wooden Stakes and Silver Bullets (Paranormal) and Up Close and Evil (Horror). December 1^st we will be releasing one horror and one romance anthology, Holiday in Hell (Horror) and Holiday Spice (Hot Romance). General Submission Criteria. The information listed below applies to all of the anthologies. Please look at the anthology requirements for the one you are submitting and apply that in addition to this criteria as well.

Deadline for Wooden Stakes and Silver Bullets (Paranormal Romance) and Up Close and Evil (horror) is September 15, 2011, please submit as soon as possible.

Manuscript Submissions must be between 2,000 to 20,000 words. As always, if you are over or under you may query.

All submissions go to http://www.blogger.com/submissions@hellfirepublishing.com

Submission criteria for the Wooden Stakes and Silver Bullets (Paranormal)

The only criteria for this anthology is that the main lifeblood of the story, so to speak, is paranormal romance. High heat levels are welcome, but will be in the back of the book and marked. So please let us know when you query.

Submission criteria for Up Close and Evil (Horror)

These stories must be Halloween themed and have strong horror elements. Sex, gore and violence are welcome.

Submission criteria for Holiday Spice (Hot Romance)

Hot, spicy and romantic holidays tales. These entries require at least one full out sex scene and must be Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Year’s themed.

Submission criteria for Holiday in Hell (Horror)

These stories must be Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Year’s themed and have strong horror elements. Sex, gore and violence are welcome.

Part two of this newsletter will be released Next Friday and will consist of release dates of our upcoming stories, in October you will be able to look forward to new stories coming out every Wednesday.

Have a great Fall!

Dawn Binkley

Executive Editor

Hellfire Publishing, INC

Friday Frights will be back next week. We are sorry for the disruption.

Twelve Things You Didn't Know Thursday...

Robin Renee Ray

1. I am ¼ black and proud of it…yeah, I know, I don’t look it and that stinks. ;)

2. I hate green peas and started calling them ‘Frog Balls’ when I was three years old and still do. *Yuck* As a child we did a lot of frog giggin and then we fried the legs. Being raised with loads of brothers, it wasn’t hard coming up with a nick-name for peas. ;)

3. I only paint my pinky nail and I only use black nail polish…unless my grands get a hold of me, then I do get several colors on my toe nails.

4. Shhh…I never wear my wedding ring. ;)

5. Crowds make me want to crawl under a rock…

6. I have never been to a concert, yet I have had tickets to see Kiss, Iron Madden, Queen and more…I know, what’s wrong with me..LOL

7. I LOVE Michael Jackson and get down in the kitchen where I can do the moon walk.

8. I have only had one earring in my left ear for the last 35 years….not the same earring, that’s just nasty, but the right remains empty. ;)

9. I hate feet with a passion and mine above all else..LOL Feet are up there with peas on the gross things on my list. *Shiver*

10. I don’t hang with anyone other than my grands from the outside world…but I will meet up with my best friend in Texas at least once a year and chill for a week, and I will go visit my cousin and stay with my bro every so often…that’s about it. Boring, huh..LOL

11. I don’t wear shorts in public…so I don’t shave my legs very often. *Blush* Yep, I am hairy all over, not just my overly long hair. I can’t believe I just told the world that.

12. I love animals with a passion but I did have this car when I was still young that just loved killing cats??? It was even called the Cat Killer. I never drove it because I didn’t want to make a pancake out of a kitty. One night, I had no choice. I didn’t get three blocks when a cat ran out, and right under my car and POW. Poor thing! So, I have murdered an innocent creature.

One super lucky commenter will win a free eBook copy of Robin’s book After Hours

So leave those comments!