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Showing posts with label Kenna McKinnon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kenna McKinnon. Show all posts
Monday, August 20, 2018

Eve Gaal's Second Book About Penny!!

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Though it’s a standalone sequel, Penniless Souls is the second half of a two-part journey called the Lost Compass Love Series. Follow Penny and John through the Mojave Desert to Las Vegas, Nevada where old dreams and dark nightmares intertwine, colliding with the bitter truth. Is Penny up to the challenge? Is she willing to bet her last cent?





Here’s a snippet from Chapter One:

“Can you trust me?”
Quietly, she nodded and placed her head back on his shoulder.  “I have so far,” she mumbled without conviction.
It felt like a white flag of surrender.  The type of submission that reminded her of submissive
women in advertising campaigns of the fifties.  Without a job or money, she had only one thing left.  Fortunately, it was something valuable, something called love.
 
Buy it by clicking here and don't forget to write a short review!
http://mybook.to/PennilessSouls

If you'd like to see the beginning of Penny's journey, buy Penniless Hearts! Buy both to get the entire series!



Kenna's paranormal fantasy trilogy, Den of Dark Angels, is available on Amazon worldwide! 
Buy it here:

5 star review by Mara: "This is a fun read right off the bat!! I finished the first novella hysterically laughing at everyone's ill fate. George and Bernice will be missed!!!"


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Saturday, June 23, 2018

AN INTERVIEW WITH THE FASCINATING EVE GAAL!

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Eve Gaal
It is my pleasure to welcome you to my blog today, Eve. We’ll start out with a few questions. If you choose not to answer any question, please feel free to skip it, and if there is anything that I’ve missed, you’re welcome to add a comment.

Let’s get started.
1)  Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m the author of Penniless Hearts which you read and reviewed. My husband and I were married in Hawaii so it naturally became a great setting. The second time we went for our first Anniversary. For some reason, I began noticing things about Hawaii that made me see things without rose colored glasses. Hawaii is gorgeous, but people still go to work. Crime happens. Even the prettiest bouquet of tropical flowers will someday wilt. The contrast of beauty and crime made me have fun with my characters. I enjoyed researching Pele, helicopters and lava flows. It was a fun book to write.


Thank you, Kenna. I appreciate your kind words about my book.  Here’s a link to your wonderful review: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/RQBJBHKN5G5DD/ref

2)  As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

My third Christmas, I received a small baby grand piano. I think I drove my parents crazy pounding on the delicate keys. Though I always loved music, it wasn’t meant to be because the following year, my father made sure I had a child’s typewriter. That’s when my storytelling began. My tiny, illustrated books were primitive but somehow, each one had a basic plot.
 I hung out in the school library and read books during recess. During summer, I signed up for the reading programs and checked out tons of books. I had a thirst for good stories and I still do. I also believe that if you don’t find the book you’re looking for, it might be your turn to write it.
I wrote poetry as a young girl and sent them off to magazines like McCall’s. Of course, I received many, many rejections. My high school yearbooks published a few of my poems which encouraged me to continue writing. My diaries and journals mention my future as a writer.

News items sometimes bother me enough to also end up as part of my books. A few months ago, there was an actual story about a child who was stuck in a furniture store overnight. It really made me wonder about the parents, the store security, the managers and the fears that the child must have gone through. That little tidbit is mentioned in my upcoming novel when Lani goes missing, her mother thinks back to the time she hid in an armoire, in a furniture store, to read a book. 

3)  When did you first start writing?

I started those poems at age nine but the rough little books came a bit earlier.

4)  When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
I always knew it.

5)  How long does it take you to write a book?
Two to three years when I’m not suffering from some bizarre malady.

6)  What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
1-5 most days.

7)  What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?
I prefer complete solitude and will go to almost any length to achieve it. I even moved to a desert home in La Quinta for eight years and when that wasn’t quiet enough, I pulled a desk into a closet. While in the desert, I finished Penniless Hearts and The Fifth Commandment, which is a short, faith-based novella.  I don’t live in the desert anymore, but still like having privacy in a closet. I use a laptop that isn’t wired into the internet so there are very few distractions. Of course, with two Chihuahuas around, distractions are inevitable.

8)  Where do you get your information and/or ideas for your books?
That’s an interesting question because The Fifth Commandment came to me in a dream. So, I felt compelled to write it. A higher power guided me through that small novella and I’m hoping He helps me with a few others. That particular book has hit the Creativia bestseller list and did very well in Australia.
The action scenes in Penniless Hearts and Penniless Souls came to me when I’m waking up. Basically, I listen to my heart. I feel all stories come from a good place. Even bad stories are meant to teach us something.

9)  What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I enjoy swimming, walking my pups and crocheting beanie hats for chemo patients.

10)                 What does your family think of your writing?
My husband is very supportive. I have an international family that reads in many languages. It’s like the United Nations. Almost everyone is bilingual. Some read books in Spanish and they are not that interested in reading my books written in English. There is however, a Spanish version of The Fifth Commandment available.  Other family members prefer reading in Filipino or Greek and even Hungarian.

11)                 What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating books?
That even my thirty years of marketing and advertising experience cannot help sell my books. I am most surprised that people openly admit that they don’t read. Reminds me of Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.

12)                 How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
I have written three books but one of them is a new release that will be coming soon.
Guess I don’t have a favorite because they are all unique.
I like Penniless Hearts for being lighthearted and fun. It takes people on a journey of the Hawaiian Islands and gives them a sort of bird’s eye view of Kauai and the Big Island. I pull readers into dream sequences and various hallucinations because my main character runs from tough situations through her imagination. I imagine Penny running around in one of those famous Escher prints where the stairs run up and down and there doesn’t seem to be any escape.

Penniless Souls made me reflect on philosophical ideas such as the multiple types of determinism, fatalism, subjectivism, deism, I Ching, compatibilism, even quantum physics.   Have you ever wondered where you get your good luck? Your bad luck? The story touches on the dark side of Las Vegas and human trafficking. It’s about coincidence and a mother’s love. How far would you go to save your child? It was an interesting book to write and I can’t wait for others to read it.  


I like The Fifth Commandment because those pages are certifiable proof that I’m sorry for being a difficult kid.  

13)                 Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
There are so many books on the market and they have so many choices that I am always flattered when I hear they liked my novel. Usually they say they enjoy the action and the dialogue but honestly, I don’t hear from them much.

14)                 What do you think makes a good story?
That depends. I like many types of books. My favorites usually consist of a journey. The Alchemist by Paul Coelho or Life of Pi by Yann Martel or The Wizard of Oz, Robinson Crusoe, etc. If you’re writing a book--take me on a trip--let me see things through your eyes.

15)                 How did you choose what genre to write in?
I’m not really sure because Penniless Hearts is part adventure and part romance and I don’t think I can push it into any genre. Maybe it’s a contemporary romantic adventure? Is there such a thing? Penniless Souls is more of a romance but it’s also an adventure. The Fifth Commandment is more of a Christian fantasy.  I just write. There is no plan other than a basic outline.

16)                 Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Yes, it happens all the time and unless it’s a medical problem or a bereavement, there are ways I overcome it.

17)                 Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
How can I pick one?
Many books influenced me growing up, especially the Bible.
 I think of Willa Cather and the tree she went to hug in the middle of the prairie in O Pioneers. I remember the confidence of Templeton in Charlotte’s Web. The fox telling The Little Prince about how it is only with the heart that one can see clearly. How about Scarlett in Gone with the Wind telling the reader that she can cry tomorrow? What a great point! Kahlil Gibran reminding me that by knowing my deepest sorrow, I can appreciate my deepest joy and Harold and his Purple Crayon telling me that I can do anything.

18)                 Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published? 
      I had to self-publish due to an emergency. Seriously. It’s a long story. Maybe I’ll write about it someday.

19)                 What was your favorite chapter or part to write? Why? In Penniless Hearts my favorite part is when she’s in the Waipo valley and takes a nap on the beach after hiking straight down through a forest of guava trees. The wild asses roam through there and eat the sticky, fallen fruit. She wakes up to getting sloppy kisses from a member of the roaming herd. (I’ve made that hike and seen the animals. They are super cute with long eyelashes and no, they didn’t kiss me. My husband kissed me under a macadamia tree.)

20)                 How did you come up with the title?

It came to me one day. I kept wondering why myself. Later, I thought it might sell a lot of books because people might confuse penniless with penile. Penile-less. And no, it’s not a story like that but I thought a few people might take a second look. LOL

21)                 What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? The toughest criticism usually has to do with my short chapters. I pull the reader into action and pull them out rather suddenly. It’s the same way I talk. You can talk to me face to face about something and my mind might wander. A few minutes into the discussion, I might compliment your sweater or ask for a drink of water. I usually go back to the subject at hand, just as I do in my novel. (I had a college English professor tell us to write the way we speak. It’s not always a good idea, but I must have taken it to heart.)
The best compliment is that my books aren’t boring. Nothing worse than a boring book.


22)                 Can you tell us about your upcoming book?
I mentioned it a few times up above. Longer chapters, more straightforward and more drama. I hope you like it.

23)                 What projects are you working on now?
I really want to get back to writing more commandment stories. I’ve started writing The Tenth Commandment already.

24)                 Will you have a new book coming out soon?
Yes, yes, yes!! Penniless Souls

25)                 What famous person, living or dead, would you like to have lunch with? Why?
I know this sounds strange, but I’d pick the lovely Melania Trump or any of our lovely First Ladies. I received a letter on White House stationary from Mamie Eisenhower when I was born, welcoming me as a new citizen of the United States of America. I’ve always been in awe of everything the First Lady has to do.

26)                 What would you serve?
A fancy salad with mixed greens, arugula, dried cranberries, goat cheese, fresh chopped red peppers, chopped green onions, a bit of cucumber and balsamic vinaigrette dressing served with fresh multiple grain bread and butter and a tray of delicious cakes for dessert.

27)                 If you had a magic wand to grant any wish, what would that be?
Peace, love and happiness to all.

28)                 Is there anything more that you would like to say to your readers and fans?
Thank you for choosing my books to read. I know there are endless options. Most of all, follow your heart.


www.evegaal.com
http://author.to/evegaal
https://evegaal.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/PennilessHearts/
https://twitter.com/EveGaal



Thank you, Eve! It's been a pleasure having you on my blog. I would encourage your readers to pick up a copy of Penniless Souls! 

 Have you tried Kenna's supernatural fantasy trilogy -- dark but quirky humor!

h
5 stars: "Dark and Twisty People"
"This is a fun read right off the bat!! I finished the first novella hysterically laughing at everyone's ill fate. George and Bernice will be missed!!!"

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Wednesday, July 20, 2016

QUIRKY NEW MYSTERY, BLOOD SISTER, ON SALE THIS SATURDAY!

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Let's follow Annie Hansen -- "I do like a strong female lead"...schizophrenic young woman private eye. 


On Sale for 99 cents

This coming Saturday

July 23 - 29, 2016


Four **** Review from top Amazon reviewer Gisela Hausmann! 

"When two well known residents of Serendipity, a doctor known to drug addicts and the mayor get killed Annie is being put on the case. Both murders are grisly, actually in a way disgusting. Was the killer a whacko drug addict or did the killer try to blame a whacko drug addict? Even more complicated… Were both victims killed by the same killer? (Sorry, I do not post spoilers.) And, is it a coincidence that all of this happens, right before the elections (for mayor)?

Annie will make a transformation when she meets handsome detective Mark. Will they solve the murder (oh, wait… Is Annie a suspect too?)




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Friday, June 10, 2016

SHORT CIRCUIT sale over and BLOOD SISTER coming up next!

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Thank you to all who helped bring Short Circuit and Other Geek Stories down to within 20,000 on Amazon, which is better than a million where it had sat for several months. I have my new publisher, Creativia, to praise and also my own efforts. 

 Also the very good stories in the book, which may appeal to those younger people who love SF and fantasy, robots, and all good things my son liked so much growing up.

 It's still 99 cents (pence) on Kindle but the sale will be gone soon.
If any of my readers remembers Red Herrings, it will be in it second printing with Creativia soon under the new name, "Blood Sister". 

 We're working on a new book cover. Will keep you appraised of Creativia's decision. Their book covers rock! Can hardly wait to see what they come up with. I've given them some input and some graphics for the creative process.

 Do you have any suggestions for a new book cover for a macabre double murder solved by a young schizophrenic female private eye?

 It takes place on an island off the coast of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada.

  Look for more on this later.
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Thursday, May 26, 2016

Get your autographed copy here

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I received my print books of Short Circuit in the mail yesterday. They look great.

 If anyone wants an autographed copy just email me and I'll send one out to you.

 Paperback is $9.99 and five dollars shipping. US funds on Paypal.

 Fiverr did some graphics for me. What do you think?
Passionate And Original Inventive Author


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Thursday, May 28, 2015

The Potter's Hand, a blog

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Edmonton Senior/Calgary Senior newspapers are featuring my blog, "The Potter's Hand" on their website.


If I get a following and enough comments, it's possible the blog will morph into a paid column in time.

The blog is about mental illness in all its aspects, and its impact on family, friends, the world, and the individual.

John Nash died this week. 


He left a legacy of "A Beautiful Mind" and 86 years of living, for most of his life with the diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. He said that all is not suffering, and that is true. For many, mental illness is both an escape and a refuge. I can attest to that at various times in my life.

I've come out of the shadows.


Please visit "The Potter's Hand" and comment.

Thank you.


Brought to you by SpaceHive, Kenna's debut novel originally published by a traditional small press in 2012 and republished by Authors for a Cause in March 2015. A rollicking adventure of friendly alien bees and the vicious wasp General Vard, a 12-year-old boy and his Muslim buddy who must alone save the world, and the formidable SpaceHive...on which Jason is abducted by the alien attackers and taken to India where the final Battle takes place.


Also by The Insanity Machine, our adventure and journey with paranoid schizophrenia, including the latest research available at the time of writing.


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Saturday, March 21, 2015

Guest Blog with the Amazing Bibliophile Alan Black

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Author Alan Black at home

Alan Black has been writing novels since 1997 when he started Eye on The Prize. His writing tastes are as eclectic as his reading preferences. Alan admits that he loves writing much more than editing and the whole publishing process. Marketing of his work leaves him as baffled as the whole string theory thing.

Alan was born in central Kansas and grew up in Gladstone, Missouri. He graduated from Oak Park Senior High School and eventually earned a liberal arts degree from Longview Community college. He spent most of his adult life in the Kansas City area. The exception came at the orders from the U.S. Air Force when he was stationed in Texas, California, Maryland, and Japan. He and his wife were married in the late 70s and moved back to Independence, Missouri, but now live in sunny Arizona. He says the dry desert air stimulates his creativity more than the juicy air in Missouri (pronounced here as 'misery') and he has yet to shovel sunshine out of the driveway.

His desire to write started in the second grade. He was given an assignment to write a short story about Greek mythology. His teacher took the time to call his parents and express her appreciation of the story. Although neither of his parents remembered the incident, it had an impact on him, eventually leading him to write Eye On The Prize, taking two years to complete. He has gotten faster since then, completing a recent manuscript in three weeks

Alan Black is a #1 bestselling author on Amazon and Kindle for Metal Boxes,
http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Boxes-Alan-Black-ebook/dp/B00FCC2VIA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1427003851&sr=1-1&keywords=metal+boxes+by+alan+black
a young adult, science fiction, military, action adventure. He has published eight. Black is a self-published multi-genre writer. One writer friend called him 'timeless' because he wrote historical books, novels based in the present and tales of the future. His main goal is to write story driven novels, with sci-fi novels that are more character and action driven than focused on science, story driven historical that are not history lessons and entertainment based literary fiction.

Alan Black's vision statement: "I want my readers amazed they missed sleep because they could not put down one of my books. I want my readers amazed I made them laugh on one page and cry on the next. I want to give my readers a pleasurable respite from the cares of the world for a few hours.

I want to offer stories I would want to read."

Alan Black
author of
Chasing Harpo,
Empty Space, Titanium Texicans, Metal Boxes, Chewing Rocks, Steel Walls and Dirt Drops,
The Friendship Stones, The Granite Heart, and The Heaviest Rock &
A Cold Winter
(website) http://www.alanblackauthor.com
(facebook) https://www.facebook.com/people/AlanBlack-Author/100006730788396
(twitter) https://www.twitter.com/alblack77
(Amazon Author Page) http://amazon.com/author/alanblack1953

This guest blog brought to you by Red Herrings, a mystery/thriller by Kenna McKinnon starring a female schizophrenic private eye and her unique vision of the world. Will Annie and her handsome partner Mark solve two macabre murders in the little island town of Serendipity? Did she perpetrate the nasty business herself? Learn more about schizophrenia and the great country of Canada while trying to solve this grisly murder, and place your review on Amazon to titillate another generation of readers.
No resemblance to living persons intended and with great respect to our African (including Sudanese) friends who have emigrated to Canada during this time of unrest in the beautiful continent of Africa.
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Saturday, November 2, 2013

Effective, Simple and Awesome Youtube Trailer by new publisher

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Big change announced by publisher!



Release date pushed back to November 18!



Watch for BIGFOOT BOY: Lost on Earth on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords!

You saw the awesome trailer on Facebook first!


Then you saw it here!









http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHZOqe2axs0&feature=em-share_video_user

P.S. Remember:

BIGFOOT BOY: Lost on Earth will be released November 18, 2013.

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Monday, September 9, 2013

A clever, imaginative book...

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Jason finds himself kidnapped by a giant alien bee. Will Jason be able to free himself or will the evil wasp General Vard destroy Jason and the Earth with him?

Read more of this "clever, imaginative book...The characters are well defined and likeable, and the plot is wonderfully crafted."

SpaceHive by Kenna
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Sunday, September 8, 2013

3 of my most popular blog posts about writing

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Writer smoking and typing on antique machine



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. When and Why Should We Write?

One of the many blog posts I wrote about writing came out shortly before Imajin Books published SpaceHive. I had fun with it and garnered a positive comment from Lauren Nagel.

 An excerpt follows from April 23, 2012. The post in whole can be found here.


Always, always wanted to be a writer. I called it "journalist" in those days, didn't know better, I wanted to write, and I did...In February 2010 I published my first article, unpaid, but Rick Lauber at Alberta Caregiver gave me a start and I'm grateful.

2. On February 5, 2012 I wrote about Writer's Block. 


An excerpt from that post: I broke the writer's block by sitting down and typing crap crap crap carpe diem crap
I said: Life is short, seize the carp!
and then I went on to write 4000 words.
NOTE: The horror book to which I refer was never published. I completely rewrote it and it's now a three novella fantasy/paranormal called DEN OF DARK ANGELS awaiting an interested publisher or agent.


3. INDIE AUTHOR ANONYMOUS FEATURES SPACEHIVE
Middle grader excited about SpaceHive
My third popular blog post which is centered on writing was written on November 7, 2012 after Indie Authors Anonymous featured my debut middle grade sci-fi/fantasy novel SPACEHIVE.
 SPACEHIVE
GO AHEAD AND READ THESE POSTS, LIKE IT WOULD MAKE ME REALLY HAPPY ESPECIALLY IF YOU'D COMMENT, STAND-UP DUDE! EVEN HAPPIER IF YOU'D TAKE A LOOK AT MY BOOK AND BUY IT FOR YOUR LITTLE BROTHER.
SPACEHIVE.
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Monday, August 26, 2013

ALISON BRUCE INTERVIEW WITH A CON

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SPACEHIVE eBook 99 cents till the end of the week, including Aug. 31. Get it here.

Excerpt from interview on Alison Bruce's blog:

Kenna, you are a fascinating woman. You are open about your schizophrenia and reach out to help other people dealing with this mental health issue. What impact has this had on your writing career and the stories you choose to tell?

It' s had very little impact other than I suspect the illness has given me a scope of living experience and glimpses of creativity and imagination that made me who I am today, and thus the writer I am. I think I'm more tolerant as a result and hate to see racism or bigotry in any form, as I've been the victim of it too often in the past, and others like me have also been victims of discrimination and ignorance.

You must realize, Alison, that I'm almost 69 years old and have been ill for almost 40 years, part of that unmedicated and misdiagnosed. I haven't always been as open about the schizophrenia nor as well as I am today. However, I've always had a great thirst for learning and new experiences, and this has served me well in carving out a path of recovery, often without a great deal of assistance. That being said, the proper medication is essential, and adhering to a medication schedule and developing a therapeutic relationship with an excellent psychiatrist. This has not always been the case, and only recently have medications and the medical community been more open to admitting the hope and growth that's possible with mental illness.

I've written my story with the assistance of a friend, Austin Mardon, PhD, CM (Order of Canada), who also has schizophrenia. It's a book called The Insanity Machine and is available on Amazon and select bookstores. The book includes the latest research at the time of writing (2012) and anecdotes from our lives including somewhat chilling renderings of manifestations of the illness, reactions from family, friends, and medical personnel, and advice to caregivers. Note I have never had a caregiver nor a great deal of support until now, after I committed in 2009 a criminal act and received help from the legal system to address the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, delusions, and obsessive ruminating.

Any comments, gentle readers? Those of you in another time zone, another country, another culture, what is your reaction to a senior Canadian author who has struggled with a mental illness for the better part of her adult life, and has to show for it a successful life? (Well, almost)...I'd love to hear your comments and any kudos or slams as a result of my honesty.



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Monday, May 13, 2013

MEAN BEE

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  • You can't get a wasp any meaner than General Vard of the SPACEHIVE from the planet Jive Hive.
  • He's made it eight light-years to Earth with a ship full of hungry bees and angry wasps, and a voracious and audacious Queen Bee, and he's ready to rock 'n' roll.
  • General Vard is one mean bee.


 

Excerpt from SPACEHIVE:


Zibb began grooming her cousin. "The migration will be an adventure to be endured before it's ended. They say the trip will take eight years in suspended animation. Then, on arrival, our poor, wasted bodies must prepare for war." She sighed.
"Or negotiation," Banter offered. She picked up another flower.
"Negotiation with General Vard and his black wasps? Never!" Zibb shook her barbs in the air. "The Black Watch wouldn't allow it. No, SpaceHive will deliver some of us to an early death once we've arrived on Earth. The humans are said to be a warlike race. I don't think they'll offer to share their planet. And our Black Watch sure won't share it. Earth will be taken by force and the human survivors used for food for the wasps."
Banter frowned. "I'll be sad, Zibb, to leave this haven of flowers, honey and sparkling waters."
"Me too. But it isn't a haven for many of our friends to the west, east and north. They're too crowded. Not enough to eat. Not like us, living close to the palace."
"Living close to our queen Selera. And she, poor dear, is old and sluggish, and listens too much to that horrible wasp, General Vard."
"The general says a new queen must travel with us to guide and reign over our species on the new soil." Zibb glanced at her smaller cousin Bipp. "Well, our old queen's endurance has seen her through the challenges of many rival daughter queens so far, lying now in tombs of wax with the queen's spike driven through their bodies."
To prepare the way, the royal jelly, culled from the milk glands of the nurse bees, would now be fed to the larva, who would then become a new queen.
The nurses often entertained the junior worker bees with a ditty.
Bzzzzz…ZAP! Honor the queen.
Bzzzzz…wake the hungry general.
Bzzzzz…he's black and full of poison.
Bzzzzz…ZAP! Hear us scream.
The song made everyone uneasy but was a source of amusement to the old nurses. There were other verses too. The bees loved song and dance.
Young Bipp brushed her fuzzy body with a barbed digit. "How will we know when we're leaving?"
"We won't, until the general tells us," Zibb said.
Bipp sighed. "Why can't we dance like we used to?"
"We all love to dance." Banter glanced at the hills where the Black Watch lived. "But there's more serious business now, little Cousin. We'll dance like nobody's going to die. But it won't be the joyful experience it always was for us."
"What? Killing the people of Earth so we might populate their planet?" Bipp drummed her digits on her bulging yellow abdomen. "That seems like a happy occasion to the general."
The bees had populated all the available planets in the star system, which lay on the edge of what Earth knew as the Milky Way. Now the Imperative rang out—colonize or perish in your own numbers and material wealth.
"The people of the green planet Earth will die," Banter said. "Nothing can save them. We have the war machine, SpaceHive and the deadly general. But some of us will die too, Bipp."
Banter stamped her foot and burst into an ancient nursery rhyme. "Bzzzzz…zap! Honor the old queen. Bzzzzz…zap! Long live the new!"
Bipp shook the gourds while Zibb played a fiddle fashioned from hard red wood and animal gut. Their old father drones built the fires. Their cousins and friends drummed on barrels and animal hides. All danced, whirled, flew and sang in high voices of ancient legends and science.
A drone huddled near a fire. "What legends are those you sing of?"
"Black poison and old science made new." Zibb stirred the flames as she pursed the black slit of her mouth. "General Vard doesn't approve of our emotional songs. But the old queen listens."
"Ah, the general." The drone cast a frightened glance up at the three orange moons. "Is that a shadow I see wheeling past the crescent of a moon?"
"No, it's nothing," Zibb said.
"I'm superstitious," the drone said, "though I don't believe in a god."
"What do you believe?"
"I believe in the necessity of the Black Watch and SpaceHive. I believe my body will rot in the general's larder if I disobey."

* * * * BUY SPACEHIVE NOW ON AMAZON * * * * 

WORLDWIDE

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