Surprise New Release

Posted by on Jul 11, 2018 in FF Fans, My Books | 2 comments

A Final Formula Short Story Surprise! I’ve got a new short story available in a multi-author anthology that just released today. This story is a prequel to The Final Formula and shows how Addie and James met from his point-of-view. If you haven’t read my Final Formula Series, this story can serve as an introduction. If you’re already a fan, this story will give you a look at familiar events through James’s eyes. The anthology includes six other urban fantasy shorts and is a great opportunity to check out some authors you may not have tried. And best of all, it’s FREE! Here’s the cover, blurb, and retailer links… Magic stalks modern streets. Werewolves and witches. Demons and elves. Street Spells compiles seven new and exclusive short stories featuring mythical beings hidden in plain sight. Aimee Easterling: “Scapegoat” Tori Centanni: “Dead Goblins and Overdue Rent” Rachel Medhurst: “Magically Hidden” Dale Ivan Smith: “Siloed” Becca Andre: “Alchemy and Destiny” N. R. Hairston: “Dirty Magic” Kat Cotton: “Run Away” Break out of jail, hunt down magical art thieves, and dabble in alchemy as you discover a new author (or seven) in this page-turning collection of paranormal shorts. Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Apple |...

Read More

Character Interview: James

Posted by on Mar 18, 2016 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 4 comments

It’s time for another character interview, and since I’m currently writing the next James novella (FF4.5), I thought it would be a great time to hear from everyone’s favorite grim. If you’ve been around since the beginning, you might remember the James-inspired banner above. I used it on my website back before I had it professionally designed. (Hopefully, it looks decent on whatever device you’re reading this on.)  🙂 But on to the interview… Once again, I asked fans to provide the questions and they responded with quite a list. So, without further ado, I give you James Huntsman, death incarnate and all around great guy. Becca: Thanks for stopping by, James. James: No problem. (looks concerned) I’m not so sure about the introduction, though. Becca: Which part? James: Someone who doesn’t know me might think I’m a little full of myself. Becca: Well, I’m assuming that only those who know your story would read this interview—and they already know what a great guy you are. Beyond that, it was my line. It’s what I think of you. James: (blushes) Thanks. Becca: You don’t have a problem with the death incarnate part? James: That part is true. Becca: (laughs) Good thing you’re a great guy. Which is a nice lead in to our first question. How is it that you are a kind, thoughtful person while your brothers are, well, insane psychopaths? They raised you, right? James: Yes, they raised me. I don’t remember my mother and my father died when I was very young—though I understand he was much like my brothers. Or they, like him. Becca: Addie always insisted that you must have been adopted. James: I can see why she thought that. I had spent my entire life wondering why I was so different from my brothers. Until I met Addie, I thought it was a failing on my part. But it was Ian who truly explained it. Becca: Ian? James: I don’t like to give him credit for anything, but he did offer the best explanation. Becca: What’s that? James: My brothers are still human. They have just enough hellhound blood to enhance their physical abilities, while maintaining their human egos and...

Read More

Lords of the Dead: A Short Story

Posted by on Oct 31, 2015 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 24 comments

Happy Halloween! Here’s a special treat for Final Formula fans. Whether you’re new to the series, or you’ve read every book, this short story is accessible to all. There’s nothing to spoil later books for new readers, and established fans will gain added insight into a couple of familiar characters. Hope you like it! Update – If you would like a copy of this story, I’ve included it in Blood Gifts, a novella featuring the Nelson brothers as young men.  Read an excerpt here: Blood Gifts Pick up a copy of Blood Gifts at: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple Lords of the Dead Chapter 1 Halloween, 1803 Lory knelt behind the tombstone, the weathered granite cold beneath his palm. Moonlight sparkled off the dew-laden grass, dew that would most likely be frost come morning. No surprise, considering that this was the last day of October. He wiggled his toes in an attempt to warm them and wished he had worn heavier socks. But his brother had sprung this idea on him without warning, so he hadn’t had a lot of time to prepare. He glanced over at where his brother knelt behind the tombstone to his right. Lex had closed his eyes, but he was grinning. Lory could feel him using his magic to animate the dead a few yards ahead of them, and marveled anew at his brother’s skill. It made no sense that Lex was so much better than he was. Lex was only ten minutes older. A low chant began, and Lory leaned around his tombstone to see what the dozen men and women in dark cloaks were doing now. He couldn’t make out their identities beneath the hoods each wore, and there was little more than size to distinguish one from another. Their only item of ornamentation was a belt holding a small ceremonial dagger. A lit candelabra and an open book lay atop the stone sarcophagus they were gathered around. He didn’t know if the grave held significance for them or if it just served as a table. Not that it mattered. Things were about to get interesting. It was the body inside the stone box that Lex had animated. “Now?” Lory whispered....

Read More

Character Interview: Addie

Posted by on Oct 23, 2015 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 10 comments

Continuing with my month of fun, I’ve finally got my next character interview ready to go. Also, I’ve added a new item to the menu bar at the top of the page called FF Fans. I’ve gathered all the fun Final Formula related posts there. Things like character interviews, alternative point-of-view scenes, and (eventually) some short stories. It’s just an organization thing so fans don’t have to scroll through a bunch of old posts to find the fun stuff. Granted, it doesn’t have a huge amount of content, but I hope to change that. Now, on to the interview. Today’s victim is Addie Daulton, everyone’s favorite alchemist and smartass.   🙂   Becca: Hey, Addie. Thanks for taking time away from the workbench to talk with us today. Addie: I’m digging my introduction. (laughs) Smartass? Becca: If the shoe fits… Addie: Oh, it does. (winks) Thanks for having me. Now maybe Ian will shut up about what an honor it was to be interviewed by you. Becca: (tries not to laugh) Has that been a problem? Addie: Well, you know what a humble guy he is. He only brings it up about once an hour. Becca: Sorry about that. Addie: (waves away the apology) That’s just Ian. But I assume we’re not here to talk about him. Becca: No. This time, fans want to learn more about you. They even supplied a list of questions. (picks up a sheet of paper) Addie: Wow, that’s some list. Good thing I turned off the hot plate. Becca: You didn’t leave Ian to watch it? Addie: He’s out. I suspect he went shopping. He’s still looking to replace that smoking jacket. (rolls her eyes) Becca: Hmm. (tries not to look guilty) Shall we begin? Addie: Hit me. Becca: (turns to question list) The most popular topic is your past. Addie: I’m not sure how much I can tell you about that. The amnesia makes my recall a bit spotty. Becca: Ha ha. I believe these questions are about how you deal with that. For example, do you ever wonder if you have any relatives out there? Parents, siblings, or good friends who don’t know what became of...

Read More

Alternative POV Scene: Rowan in The Final Formula

Posted by on Oct 12, 2015 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 4 comments

As promised, here’s a new alternative POV scene from The Final Formula.  Like the first scene I did, this one is also in Rowan’s POV.  If you didn’t get to read the first one, it’s offered as a bonus when you sign up for my newsletter.  If you’d like to learn more about my newsletter, I did a post about it here. *** The Element and the Alchemist   The door closed and Rowan slumped in his chair. Just one more petitioner to go. God, what a long morning. He leaned his head back and rubbed both hands over his face. Normally, this aspect of his job didn’t bother him. He actually enjoyed talking with his people and helping them settle disputes, or work out some magical anomaly. But he just couldn’t get into it today—and deep down, he knew why. He shoved himself to his feet, and tugging up the hood of his gray robe, walked to the nearest bookshelf. He pulled down a book at random and began leafing through the pages, hoping something would draw his attention. Something to make him stop thinking about last night, when he found an intruder in the kitchen right here at the Elemental Offices. An intruder he had ended up kissing. “Don’t go there,” he told himself, though it was too late. He was already thinking about the little thief in the skin-tight body suit he had caught pilfering one of his glasses. At some point, he had lost his mind and let her take a glass in exchange for a kiss. Clearly, he needed to take his brother’s advice and date more. A knock sounded at the library door and Rowan’s heart beat quicker despite himself. She wouldn’t be knocking at his door. Hell, he would probably never see her again. No doubt, she congratulated herself on the successful heist of one of the Flame Lord’s glasses. It would impress her friends, or maybe the handsome young stud she was dating. The double doors opened and Bradley stepped inside. The young man stood at attention, looking every bit the polished servant in his black livery. Rowan still found it a surprise that people of this...

Read More

Character Interview: Rowan

Posted by on Jul 26, 2015 in FF Fans, Fun Stuff | 6 comments

Back in June, I decided to interview some of the characters from my Final Formula series. Fans voted, both here and on my Facebook page, and selected Ian, closely followed by Rowan. With the voting so close, I decided to interview both characters. I did one interview last month and today I’ll do the other.  If you missed it, you can read Ian’s interview here. Today I’ll be interviewing Rowan, Fire Element and leader of the New Magic community—though some say, he leads the whole magical community. But there are a few necromancers who would disagree with that. 😉 Now for the man of the hour: His Grace, the Lord of Flames.   Becca: Thanks for stopping in, Rowan. I know you’re a busy guy. Rowan: (straightens in his chair) It was no trouble. And I should clarify that I’m only responsible for New Magic, though I try to maintain a good working relationship with Old Magic. Lately, that’s become difficult. Becca: So we’ve seen. Perhaps things will get better. Rowan: I suspect you will ensure that it doesn’t. Becca: It’s nothing personal, but there is no story without conflict. Rowan: (sighs) Becca: (clears throat) Back to the interview. I asked the fans for questions and they came up with quite a list. (waves a sheet of paper) Unlike some I’ve interviewed, I don’t guess I need to remind you that we expect honest answers? Rowan: Naturally. I won’t deceive you. Becca: Thanks, Rowan. We’ll start with the most popular question. Several people asked if you’ve ever been tempted to use your magic for vengeance or convenience. For example, if someone cut you off in traffic, or if you wanted to roast your own marshmallows. Rowan: (laughs) The marshmallow roasting would be difficult. I don’t technically wield fire. I elevate the temperature of an object to the point of ionization, momentarily creating a plasma. Typically there is nothing left, unless the process is interrupted and ionization doesn’t occur, then the high temperature might cause a fire. As for vengeance… Yes, I’ve been tempted. So far, I haven’t acted on it. Becca: I suspect I can guess the source of your temptation, which leads to...

Read More