Cover revealings

Hello,
Did you notice the 's' in revealings? Well, look at it now! I'm being oddly productive, and we can probably blame the fact that silly me is going to finish grad school while I'm working a full time job. Silly me...so budget will be a little tighter. However, my goal is to get stuff done before that all starts.  Plus between my boyfriend and I we have four more weddings to go to, three of which one of the two of us are in the wedding party. I'll go back to cycles of writing, which isn't ideal, but that's life. So the covers that will be revealed is Christmas Lites 5!! Can you believe we're up to 5?! I can't. I also will be this weekend revealing the cover to the 3rd novella in the mistakes series, Footsteps in the Alley. Going Rogue my mini series will go become something that you can read on your e-reader. Then End of the Line 2, Off the Beaten Path. So, keep your eyes out!

Speaking of Christmas Lites 5, we will be needing all the help that we can to help advertise the book that all of the money will go towards NCADV!

Wattpad

Good Morning!
Just a friendly reminder that there is a giveaway going on till June 14! There are two giveaways, one for US only and one that is internationally. However that is not why I am here posting today. I am here to say that I am on Wattpad! I have a couple of chapters of End of the Line, Family Ties, and Beneath the Scars up there. I also posted the whole mini blog series Going Rogue up there as well. That was the part of End of the Line, Aaron's side of the story when he vanishes. However I yesterday posted the first chapter of my WIP Project US. I figured since I was going to be having someone edit that over the summer I would get its toes wet and getting a little attention early. My Wattpad is click here.
~Ottilie

mini blog series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
This is the last installment of Going Rogue! If you missed any chapters you're in luck they're all a page to a page and a half long each. This little series is part of End of the Line. Aaron is one of the main characters of End of the Line who is trying to help a group of teens survive. He though spends a little time away from the group, but what does he do when he's gone? Going Rogue has the answers....

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5

                     Going Rogue

Chapter Six

Aaron

I think I was going in the right direction. I was able to retrace my steps back to the abandoned house so that I could put myself in the right direction of the apartments. God, I hope that Lauren and the group did not move. She didn't move last time I left them, but how many chances would I really get? When you cared for someone, how many chances were they entitled to? My poor parents I'm sure gave me more chances then they should've, but Lauren wasn't my mom. I didn't love her, but I could not get her out of my head. Oh crud. I had feelings for her. I kicked the ground before me. I was hoping that physically I was attractive to her because she was there. The upside down stomach feeling when I looked into those eyes. The need to kiss her. Lauren took over my mind despite the months away from her. It all made sense now.

I screamed out and clenched my arm. I'd been shot. I pulled my hand to see it covered in red, there was a hole in my coat. Glancing over my shoulder I saw a man with a gun pointed at me. I had been too much in my own thoughts to keep my eyes open to my surroundings. I tried running away, jumping over a log as the woods started to spin.

"He went that way."

I cursed. I couldn't hide in the trees because there weren't any left. There were foot steps behind me, they were heavy. I tripped over a rock and tumbled down the slight hill. Still holding my arm I crawled on the ground till I reached a river. The men were right behind me. I inched closer to the water, I only had seconds. I took a deep breath and dunked myself under the water.

Needles stabbed me. Thousands upon thousands needles felt like they were stabbing every inch of my body. Just when I wanted to burst through the water and yell out I saw figures moving on the hill, they looked in my direction, but kept moving. When I thought my lungs would burst in flames the men were gone. Leaping out of the water my teeth chattered as my body shook uncontrollably. Glancing around me I searched for wood and a couple of stones. I had a small pile of sticks, but my hands were shaking so much that I had trouble creating a fire. Just when I was about to give up a lone spark came to life, creating a fire.

I took off my coat and threw it on the floor. It was soaking wet and only causing me to shudder more. I slid my hat off my head and wrung it out. I went to rip the winter hat, but my hands kept trembling. I got frustrated that I brought the material to my teeth and did a hard yank till I heard a tear. I smiled as I wrapped the material around my wound and tied it tightly. The bullet only grazed me.

I threw some stones around the fire in a circle before I finally gave in to the need to rest. I leaned my head against my knees. I needed to get to Lauren and Sean. I can do this. I had never been so cold before in my entire life. I had to block it all out, I was close.

That night I was hardly able to get any sleep. I could not get warm and I had to keep feeding the fire. I would sell my left foot for a dry blanket. When the sun started to rise I got up and stomped out the fire. Crossing my arms I trudged on with my eyes barely able to stay open. Chills ran down my spine, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other. They had to still be there.

Whispers of many voices reached my ears. I shook my head and glanced around searching for the source. The voices grew louder and I felt déjà vu over come me. I pushed aside the drowsiness and ran. Between the trees I came across a road and buildings. People were yelling out. My knees almost gave out. My breath came out heavy with puffs of smoke.

My muscles I thought were ready to cave in, but I ran. Little Paige and Sean were in those buildings I knew it. Lauren, my Lauren was in there, I could feel it in my bones. There were less people outside on this winter day. Once I busted through the doors of the apartment I saw people throwing things at each other, a person went to go throw a punch at another person. I leap over a body with my heart pounding against my chest. With each step that I climbed the pain I was in seemed to dim and a smile grew till I was standing in front of a door. I raised my hand to knock to be allowed to be welcomed back into my life, my family.

Mini Blog Series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies,
There really isn't much more of Going Rogue left! After you read this one, there is only 1 more chapter left! If you are behind, they are really short chapters around a page-page and a half each. Continuing Aaron's journey...

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4

                     Going Rogue

Chapter Five

Aaron

The days were getting colder and the days had become a blur. It had snowed and I was thankful of the coat that I had stolen. I yanked on my cap to further cover my ears. When I was little I loved the snow, I use to pretend that I was like Neil Armstrong with my boots leaving prints in the snow. My mom hated the cold, but she would bundle the two of us up on snow days to go outside. She would have snowball fights with me, always letting me win. We would stay outside till our noses and cheeks were pink then we'd go inside to get into pajamas with a mug of hot chocolate. I watched the smoke form with the last breath I took. I was never going to see my mom ever again. The flash of her being disappointed in the last time we spoke came before me.

I shook my head. I had to focus on the snow days, not my teen years with her. Staring above me the clouds were dark still from the night before's snow fall.

"I hope you can see me up there. I'm trying to do better for you and dad."

My heart fell down to my stomach. I needed to get back to Lauren. I could hear my mom's voice telling me that I shouldn't run away from my troubles. Though I'm pretty sure Lauren is exactly the type of girl my mom would have tried to set me up with. She didn't care for the ones that I brought home, or the few that I did bring home. I chuckled, God, mom would try to marry Lauren and me together if she was still around. She wanted lots of grandchildren, just not right then.

My mom would make cookies with me sometimes after school, I think we ate more of the dough than the actual cookies. As much as my dad and I had a special relationship where he took me to get my tattoo, my mom was the one that I could talk to. She and I built a fort the first week that I moved in with them.

I shoved my hands into my pockets as I thought back to how nervous I was. I had spent the time that I could remember in a couple of foster homes before I was told I was getting adopted. I didn't trust my new parents. I had been shuffled around a few times that I didn't actually believe that they would keep me. I would barely talk to them, I picked at my food. I came down one morning to see a blanket fort in the living room with a plate of cinnamon buns inside.

I had tip toed over to the blanket. They left me alone that day while I sat in the fort and I fell asleep in it. The next morning I woke up and saw my mom coming down the stairs. She had her hair tied back so that when she bent down to look at me I could look into her eyes. She had the warmest smile that I had ever seen.

"I use to build forts like this for my cousin's when we were growing up. Do I still have the skills?"

I remember laughing and she asked to join me in the fort. When I nodded she sat down next to me and talked about her family growing up. Eventually I got hungry and we ate breakfast. She got me. She always did. My mom got that I needed to do things on my time. She was the greatest mom.

"Mom, I know I never said it enough, but I love you. I promise I will make you proud. I didn't do much of that before you-" I paused unable to say out loud that she was gone. "I know I have to go back, even when you're gone you're still steering me in the right direction."

I turned on my heel towards a certain girl.

Mini Blog Series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
I can't believe is week 4 of the mini blog series. This is a story that will help you get to know Aaron from End of the Line.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
                    Going Rogue

Chapter Four

Aaron

It had been a week and I was still at the house for a couple of reasons. First, I wanted to leave after the ash had dissipated. Second, I didn't know where else to go. There was not much food here so I knew I had to be on the move at some point especially since I could have sworn that I have been seeing movement in the bushes. My hope was that there were some deers or bunnies moving around, but I was pretty sure I saw some flickering of lights. I was avoiding walking by the windows or the glass back door because every nerve of mine was on edge. Something was up.

Pacing around the master bedroom where I had been sleeping I tried to think of a way out. Leaving when it was dark would be the best idea. Keeping flesh against the wall I glanced out the window. If I got a little bit of a running start I might be able to jump and grab onto one of the tree branches on that oak. I must be losing it. A running leap into a tree? My luck I'd miss the branch and break my neck. Well, that would be one way to get Manson off my back.

Glancing out again the sky was full of oranges, pinks, and purples spreading across the sky. Whatever I was going to do, I was going to have to do it soon. I grabbed the jacket that I had found in the house, it was a little big on me, but I figured it was better than nothing. Walking into the bathroom I turned on the facet and the water sprayed out in spurts. I grabbed a clean razor and wetted it under the water. I quickly shaved my face of peach fuzz before grabbing some scissors to trim my hair. Who knows when I'd get the chance. I cut my hair to almost the scalp and put on a hat hoping to keep my head warm.

It probably was dumb to cut all my hair before I left, but not being able to wash my hair was getting to me. I couldn't imagine what Lauren felt about her own hair, it was much longer than mine. I thought back to when we first arrived to the house in Pennsylvania and she showered. Her hair looked so soft.

I shook my head and went to the window again. The bushes were rustling around the house. I cursed under my breath. They found me. I zipped the coat up and opened the window slowly. There were a couple of heads popping up around the trees and they were popping up to point in another direction. I crouched low to the frame and ducked my head. Once I had one foot over it let the other half of my body to follow suit. Keeping low to the roof though I crawled over to the tree. I stopped when I got close to the tree and watched a man go to the front door.

Taking my chance I leapt to the tree with a thud. I bit my tongue to hold back the yell from the new bruises. Working quickly I climbed down and ran down the street with shouts behind me. My feet hit the pavement and I tried to think of where I should go. A bullet whizzed by me and hit the car that I was near. Cursing I turned towards the woods, I tried to pick up my pace, yet not trip over any rocks. Dashing out of the woods when I heard leaves crushing behind me I bolted for a nearby car and climbed into the back of the car. Once I was in the back I laid down and pulled a lone sweatshirt over my feet. Taking off my coat quickly and I draped it over my upper half. Closing my eyes I tried to tune out my own racing heart to listen for foot steps. Slow breath in the nose. Hold. Hold. Release.

"Where the hell did he go?" a voice in the distance yelled.

"People don't vanish, go look for him."

I tried to make my breathing even to limit the movement. I would be trapped with no place to escape to if they found me. Air was trapped in my throat though when I heard the foot steps near the car. I needed to live. I needed to be able to see the group again. I know I complained about them in the beginning, but I needed to live for them.

The sky was completely dark by the time I didn't hear any whispers or steps. Slowly sitting up I stayed on the floor to peek through the bottom of the windows. It seemed to be clear. I put my coat back on fell asleep on the back seat.

Mini blog series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
This is the third week into Going Rogue series! I hope that you are enjoying this, and don't be afraid to leave a comment. This mini blog series is about Aaron who is in End of the Line.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

                     Going Rogue

Chapter Three

Aaron

The clouds were dark, but I was traveling a little in search for something to eat. My stomach was a little shaky probably from the water, but I figured I should eat none the less. Stepping out of the woods I came across a couple of homes. Their doors were thrown open and so where the garage doors. There weren't any cars in them, the families probably grabbed what they could and escaped. I didn't blame them. If I had a family I'd pack up for safer grounds considering I could see the top of an asteroid on the other side of the houses. Rushing into the garage and listened to the inside, waiting to hear noises that someone else might have taken refuge in this abandoned home.

Silence.

Still I tip toed into the house, but heard nothing. I went straight for the kitchen. The fridge didn't feel cool, they lost electricity. I started to shift through the cabinets. They had sporadic things in them, making it harder for me to find something that did not have mold or had gone bad. Finally I found some crackers and peanut butter. I took the packages with a knife and sat on the couch. I started to spread the peanut butter on the crackers, it felt like food of the Gods. God I hope that Lauren and the group had food. The cracker suddenly felt like cement in my throat. I had food and I wasn't even sure if the group did. I put the food down next to me feeling sick, I was spineless. My parents did not raise me to runaway from my problems, but that seems to be all I was good at.

I stood up and went to the back door. Placing my fists on the glass I stared out into the backyard. The glass felt cool and it was then I realized how much warmer it was inside. The yard was pretty deep out and I kept my eyes out scanning the area as I zoned out.

Sean is tossing a baseball up in the air and catching it with a mitt. Paige is chasing after Sean wanting to play too. Mandy is right next to Paige. Jill and Cole are in chairs in the sun, just as Jill gave Cole a shove so that his feet would go over his head. I smiled just as Lauren who was laughing headed towards. She reached out one of her hands towards me.

I shook my head and the sight before me vanished. God, I wasn't expecting to miss them this much. I glanced around the yard and noticed little rain drops. Ash mixed through the air as the rain came down harder creating almost a thick cloud closing around the house. Quickly I ran to the front door and closed it, and went around seeing if the windows were closed. I slammed a couple of the windows before walking downstairs to where I left the food. Even the weather did not want me to go find Lauren right now. I was locked in this house for God only knows how long, alone with my thoughts.

That night I decided I finally needed to sleep. The rain had stopped, but everything was still covered in a thick fog of ash so I was stuck inside the house for a little longer. I crept upstairs, my hand skimmed the railing with each step. Darkness had overtaken the house. Yet a smirk grew on my face. The last time I tip toed up the stairs in the dark I was greeted by Lauren who had wrapped her arms around my neck, pressing our bodies together.

Shaking my head I found myself in one of the bedrooms and curled under the covers of the bed. Even though the windows and doors were closed the air was chilly around me. I just had to hope that Lauren was warmer than I was. My gut told me otherwise though. Glancing to my other side I thought back to when I shared my bed with three other bodies plus two stuffed animals. I stared back at the ceiling and racked my fingers through my hair. What was wrong with me? Lauren was everywhere. I got away from her to avoid this.

I took in a deep breath and let it slowly. Lauren is just a girl. Lauren is just a girl. Lauren. Is. Just. A. Girl. Then why the hell could she not get out of my head. I've been with girls before so Lauren shouldn't be any different. I tried to focus on the black of the inside of my eyelids. Under the tent of blankets I tried to calm my mind till I finally fell asleep.

Mini Blog Series ~ Going Rogue

Hello Lovelies!
Today is the second installment in the Going Rogue! Aaron is a character in End of the Line who before the asteroids hit was known in school, had a small group of friends, and if anything did not hang around people like Lauren. After things changed the two stuck together because safety in numbers to survive. Aaron has some time to himself, and you get to know him better in Going Rogue, so I hope you guys are taking advantage of knowing him ;)

Chapter 1 if you missed it HERE

                    Going Rogue

Chapter Two

Aaron

My lungs were burning by the time that I lost the two idiots. Manson was in jail, why couldn't he have gotten real enemies there? Or at least not go for 'an eye for a whole head' exchange. I didn't see any lights searching for me as it was getting dark so I sat on a tree stump and leaned over my knees to catch my breath. I needed water that was way too much running and moving for me not to be drinking. Lifting my head I saw the faint puff in front of me.

Normally winter coming wouldn't phase me any, just meant occasionally throwing on a sweatshirt, but I was literally in the woods with nothing. Things were very serious right now. My eyes searched the area for a river or stream nearby. A person could last longer on no food than without water. I stood up and started to wander about looking for some water. A couple of squirrels scurried past me and up a tree. Watching those little furry animals I wondered if they would taste like chicken. Wasn't always the story, 'it takes like chicken?' No, I'll wait a little longer before thinking about a furry rat.

My foot caught on something and I fell onto my back. Unable to grab onto anything I slide down the hill. My shirt rose up as I felt leaves, sticks, and a couple of rocks scarp across my back. My bottom smacked against a rock stopping me short. Pain shot through me and water started seeping through my shoes. Heat and throbbing radiated through my body as I tried to push myself up. I cursed at the rock that I ran into and pulled my feet out of the stream. If I had stayed with Lauren on the bed I wouldn't have ended in pain and wet. I would be in the apartment with Sean and Paige trying to give them something to do before we killed them from cabin fever. Or I would be with Lauren who would probably be asleep against me for warmth. I closed my eyes for a moment to see those blue eyes.

God damn it!

I kicked the water and got up. I had to stop thinking like that. That was why I left. I wasn't able to separate myself from the current situation and starting to like Lauren. She was suffering as it was without me in her life. I had a man out to kill me and she's still wounded from losing her family.

Scooping some of the water in my hands I tried to keep to the top of the water where there was less dirty. Better than nothing. I brought my cupped hands to my lips I sipped. Well here's to running away. Again…

Mini Blog Series ~ Going Rogue

Hey Lovelies!
Going Rogue is a mini series off of End of the Line. This will contain a little bit of a spoiler for those who have not read End of the Line. If you don't mind spoilers you can try reading, but you might be confused, if you want to read the book first it is on sale in all formats even the paperback on Amazon. Don't worry about getting left behind, I plan on putting a link to previous 'chapters' on the latest edition. I will post every Sunday instead of a Sample Sunday.

I wrote Going Rogue because a couple of reviewers thought there was something missing in End of the Line. It got me thinking that I could write something short to help fill that period of time in End of the Line that people thought was short. Sorry for sounding vague again I'm trying to avoid spoilers! I don't really like ebooks that are .5. They kind of drive me a little crazy on various reasons that I have vented about on another entry. Those short stories are fine for the first one, but between kind of drive me nuts. I'm still writing a sequel to End of the Line. I thought it would be a trilogy, but I might combine 2 and 3 if I do think it's not just rambling. I hope you enjoy the first week of Going Rogue!

Going Rogue

Chapter One

Aaron

My heart pounded against my chest as I bolted down the stairs. Screams rose from the rooms that I passed then a thud as a person was thrown into the hall. Jumping over the body I made my way down the stairs not even checking to see if that person was okay. I needed air my throat was closing in. Shoving the broken door of the building I was once again outside. My head was spinning and the shouts from my surroundings were only mixing with my own inner arguments. What was I doing? I shouldn’t have put Lauren in that kind of situation. Pinning her to the mattress like that was dumb and we weren’t alone. God forbid if we started something and the relationship went bad how were we suppose to make things work out with an ex? We could potentially get to a point where we hated each other. Yet, I doubt we could survive without each other. Our numbers have been helpful.

Or things could work out between us…

Racking my fingers through my hair I took deep breaths, my steps slowed slightly. A day away from them should be fine. Just enough time to clear my head then go back to them so that we can be one big happy group. I’m probably over analyzing I mean the desire to be close to Lauren is probably because we're stuck together for so long with no one else around. Finally sitting down I glanced around not fully sure where I had wandered off to. It was quiet. I couldn’t even hear the town. I had traveled a good enough distance that even the noise wouldn’t travel.

I stared up at the sky. Dark clouds were rolling in. When was the last time it had rained?

Yet all I could see were two blue eyes staring at me. Those blue eyes were still on me, confused by my actions of being on top of her. I really wanted to kiss those lips once again. We had kissed one other time, but it was quick, chaste, this time would've been the real deal. Would her lips be soft? Though the bigger question would be would she return the action?

She hadn’t pushed me off of her…

Laying down I rested my head down on some moss I just stared up above unable to close my eyes.

A shuffle of leaves woke me causing me to sit up quickly. It had gotten darker and I started to wonder how long I had been passed out. There was movement to the left of me and I slowly got up, but kept myself crouched behind some trees. Keeping myself fleshed against the tree I peeked around to see what it was. My heart pounded against my chest when I saw a light. The flashlight went from one side to another. Squinting I tried to make out who was holding the light.

"How far of a search does Manson have for the boy?"

"Last I heard I heard New Jersey and parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. He figured he can't travel that far considering everything."

"It's amazing how one man was able to get that many followers."

"Power."

They paused.

"Should we go look in that town back there?" the man holding the flashlight shined the light in the other's eyes.

"Worth a shot right?"

Sean and Paige couldn't out run these men. Lauren will not see these men coming. My eyes scanned the area. I clenched my fists.

"Hey morons," I shouted as I jumped out in plain view. "Is this the ass you're looking for?"

The light was shined on me and I bolted further into the darkness. No matter what happened to me I needed to make sure nothing happened to Lauren and the group. I was not going to let the group suffer from my past mistakes or because of my confused mind.

End of the Line Sale

Hey Lovelies!
I said that I would let everyone know when the End of the Line sale started. All e-book editions are now $0.99! It doesn't matter if you have a kindle or a nook or even a kobo, all editions of End of the Line are now $0.99 so that everyone has a chance to read the story before I start the mini series on my blog, Going Rogue!

End of the Line

When so much is lost how does one to have the strength to move on? At seventeen Lauren was prepared for yet another year of school. Then asteroids hit, killing all of those she knew except for a few other teens from her neighborhood. Joining forces with her classmate Aaron, they work together on the journey in the hopes of finding more people that are alive. On the way, threats of starvation, illness, and freezing to death don’t compare to the danger of Dean Manson. Manson is an ex-con out for revenge against Aaron. With so much working against them these teens fight for everything even if it means denying their feelings just for the chance to see a new day.

kindle $0.99
paperback $8.09
nook $0.99
smashwords $0.99
kobo $0.99

Mini blog series...

Hey lovelies!
I just wanted to talk about something that I'll be posting soon. I mentioned on my facebook page that I was going to be starting a mini blog series this year. At the rate I've been typing I'll probably starting the series in mid-December! At one point I thought I'd publish it as a 1.5 for End of the Line, but honestly unless it's a prequel the mini short stories between stories kind of annoy me. A. I like to have all my series in one format. B. If it didn't make it into the book there might be a reason. C. Kind of drives me nuts that Authors do multiple between every book. I don't care if the author is a New York best seller or an Indie, it drives me a little nuts, sorry I did not mean to rant.

In a couple of reviews for End of the Line though there was question about what happened in a certain spot. The people wanted more details (sorry I'm trying to spoil anything for those who have not read it yet!) so I thought I'd start a mini blog series to help fill in those questions. So what I'll be doing before hand is I'm going to put End of the Line on sale soon, the paperback is already on sale, so the ebook. I'll post every Sunday instead of a Sample Sunday, I'll post a chapter of the mini series 'Going Rogue.' If you miss one week, don't worry the chapters are short and I'll post links to the previous chapters to each week. I love working with Aaron again, I think I'll always have a soft spot for him ;) I will say I was writing last night and had to remember if I killed a character off yet or not ;)

So keep your eyes out I'll give you notice on when the End of the Line sale will happen ($0.99 for all e-book formats!). While I'm working on the mini blog series I'm working on the series to see how that is working out, hopefully I'll have a better grasp on how that series is. I don't want to put out a series just for the sake of having a sequel.
~Ottilie

PS This was probably in bad taste to mention something like this on Veteran's Day! I'm sorry, I just had to had off today because of school work and wanted to post while I remembered. I do want to thank all the men and women who have served and are currently serving now. Even in a time where our country is kind of turned upside down and chaotic that they still make sacrifices despite the fact they get overlooked. That is true heroism that should be honored. Thank you for all the military branches and their families for all that they are put through even though they do not get the thanks they deserve.