Black began writing in 2010, combining imagination and experience to weave dramatic plots with believable characters in descriptive contemporary settings. She writes in a variety of genres, her character-driven storylines filled with adventure and drama in real-life situations. A four-legged character appears in most of her publications, a testament to her passion for animals.
The author of novels, novelettes, and short stories, her books have received awards from Readers’ Favorite, Page Turner Awards, Literary Titan, International Impact, and KCT International Literary, along with accolades from Kirkus Reviews.
Black lives in the United States with her husband, and two alien creatures disguised as cats. One of them, her muse, is rumored to be ET’s second cousin. The rumor, however, has not been confirmed.
While laboring over a title for my next novel, I wondered if other authors have a difficult time finding the right one. After a bit of research, I found some trivia that made me smile.
Most of you have probably seen the movie, “Jaws,” based on Peter Benchley’s novel by the same name. According to Mr. Benchley, he considered over 100 titles, including The Shark, Leviathan Rising, The Jaws of Death, Silence in the Water, and The Jaws of Leviathan. He came up with a winner with a simple one word title, Jaws.
F. Scott Fitzgerald settled on The Great Gatsby, but had second thoughts about not using a title he preferred, Trimalchio in West Egg. In my opinion, he chose the correct one. I wonder if Stephen Crane’s novel, The Red Badge of Courage, would have sold as many copies if it had used his other consideration, Private Fleming, His Various Battles?
Margaret Mitchell planned to name her novel Pansy, after the main character. After changing Pansy’s name to Scarlett, she considered Bugles Sang True and Not in Our Stars before settling on the final title, Gone With the Wind.
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Enough book trivia! Are you in the mood for a free short fantasy story? Download your copy below.
Monique is a witch who associates with no one but Dante, a raven. At Dante’s insistence, she accepts an invitation for a weekend at an enchanted hotel, where she rescues a kitten from the jaws of a goblin and is pointed in a new direction.
Even as a kid, Juan does what he needs to do to survive. He believes in the rule of law, more or less, but crime is a part of his life. “Juan’s Path to Justice” tells about his life growing up in a rough desert town. Juan begins a journey where loyalty serves him well and takes him from the streets of Mexico to the mountains of Wyoming.
Although “Juan’s Path to Justice” is an introduction to “Deadly Repercussions,” it’s a complete tale, and doesn’t end with a cliffhanger! The first chapter is below, and followed by links to major retailers where you can download the rest of the short book for free.
I hope you enjoy it.
JUAN’S PATH TO JUSTICE
Santiago’s Refugio was always open. For that reason, Jorge claimed a corner table as his own. Pine that had darkened over the years lined the walls of the century-old tavern and the aged wood absorbed the sunlight that shined through the windows in the dimly lit space. Facing the door with their backs to the wall, two soldiers from Jorge’s gang sat at his table.
“Another tequila and a Corona,” one man hollered. “My bottle is almost empty!”
A young girl scurried to the bar to get the drinks.
“Jorge thinks Alejandro has become a problem,” the man declared.
“His talent for repairing guns and his knowledge of the Chihuahuan Desert spread his name for years,” the other replied. “Now, his refusal to pledge to the Malevolent Disciples has gotten attention. Alejandro’s esteem is raised among the smaller bands. If he collects a following among them, we can be challenged.”
As the two men continued their conversation, they paid no attention to Manuel Velasquez, when he quickly finished his beer, then ambled toward the front door.
Manuel strolled casually through the parking lot, past his truck and around to the back of Santiago’s. Then he ran.
Short of breath from his quarter-mile run, Manuel pounded on his brother’s front door. “Alejandro! Trouble is coming!”
“How long do we have?” Alejandro opened the door for Manuel and then barricaded it behind him.
“It is Jorge. He is not far behind me,” Manuel panted.
Fourteen-year-old Juan climbed down the ladder from the loft where he had been sleeping. “Hi, Uncle Manny. What’s going on, Papa?”
“Trouble might be coming.”
Manuel helped Juan’s father lift the kitchen table, move it three feet to the side and raise the trapdoor that was almost invisible in the center of the wooden floor. Alejandro dashed to his bed, grabbed the quilt, and shoved it into Juan’s arms.
“Down you go,” he directed. “Don’t make a sound. No matter what you hear, stay there until Uncle Manny or I come to get you.”
As Juan climbed down the steep steps to the small enclosure, Alejandro pulled a wedge of cheese and a container of orange juice from the refrigerator and grabbed the bread from the counter. He handed them down to his son, along with three bottles of water and a flashlight.
“Take this. It might be a day or even two before it is safe for you to come out.”
“I can fight,” Juan said.
“Not yet, my young warrior. There is no more time for talking.”
“Are they coming to kill you, Papa?”
“No. I think they are coming to recruit me, or maybe to try to frighten me. Now climb inside and be silent.”
Alejandro slipped a revolver into his belt behind his back and pointed to the loft. “Go up and wait. It is better if Jorge thinks I am alone.”
Manuel climbed the ladder, as Alejandro turned off the lights and went into the bedroom to wait.
Only minutes later, Juan felt the vibration from the thud of the front door slamming against the wall. Followed by two men, Jorge strode inside and in a hoarse voice hollered, “Amigo, it is Jorge! We need to talk!”
When Alejandro walked from the bedroom to greet his uninvited guests, he was met with an explosion of gunfire. Juan closed his eyes and pressed his hands to his ears. He was afraid that this time, his father would not lift the cover to his sanctuary.
The smell of smoke and gunpowder seeped into the enclosure where Juan was crouched in the corner on the stone floor of the wooden compound. He listened to the men talking in muffled tones and the shuffling of their footsteps until there was no sound. He waited.
A husky voice said, “Let’s get him outside and load him on the truck. We can drop him in the desert outside of town. Grab his shoulders and I’ll get …”
Before the sentence was finished, there was another eruption of gunfire, accompanied by a scream that sounded like the devil himself. A thud was followed by the creek of the floorboard near the ladder to his loft. Again, everything became quiet. Afraid to breathe, Juan stayed immobile while he listened for any noises above him.
A loud, gravelly moan filled the silence before Juan heard the rage in the voice of his uncle. “When you killed my brother, you signed your death warrant, Jorge.”
“Wait!” Jorge’s hoarse command was followed by a single gunshot.
Manuel crossed the kitchen to the door to the outside. Less than a minute passed, and footsteps signaled Manuel’s return.
“Stay where you are, Juan,” Manuel called. “I will come back for you when I know it is safe.”
Tears trickled from Juan’s eyes and dripped untouched to the stone floor. His father was dead.
Manuel lifted Alejandro and carried him to the bed where he gently placed his brother’s body before he dragged Jorge and the two others outside and heaved them up into the bed of the pickup truck. He tossed their weapons alongside them, went back into the house, dragged the table from above the hideaway, and pulled the door open.
“I am so sorry, Juan. Your father was a good man. They killed him before he had any chance to talk, but they will never kill again. Tomorrow, we will have a funeral for Alejandro. Tonight, you will have a lesson on the consequences of pledging to a street gang.”
Manuel covered the hideaway and Juan helped him lift the kitchen table back over it before he went to his father’s side. He stroked Alejandro’s cheek and whispered, “I will remember what you taught me. And I will fight for justice, no matter what.”
Juan pulled the sheet over his father and followed his uncle to the truck.
After an hour’s drive, they were outside of the ambient lights from the scattered homes of the small town. Off the roadway and into the darkness and the solitude of the desert, Manuel drove to a spot where it was unlikely for people to wander.
“You can help me, or stay in the truck,” Manuel said, when he turned off the engine.
Without a second thought, Juan hopped out of the cab and walked to the back of the pickup. Before Manuel directed him, Juan reached for the leg of one of his father’s murderers, as his uncle grabbed the other. The two of them dragged Jorge’s body from the truck bed and let it drop to the sandy ground. They did the same with the other two killers.
A shallow grave would do little to protect the bodies from the rapid deterioration that the sun would encourage, or to shield them from the feast that the mountain lions or coyotes would find. For that reason, Manuel didn’t bother to bury them. He closed the tailgate and he and his nephew turned toward home.
About ten miles from the road, Manuel stopped the truck. He removed the license plate and heaved it as far as he could, then set the vehicle on fire.
“We have a three-hour walk ahead of us,” he said to Juan, “and a lot to talk about. You will come to live with me. Your father would have wanted that.”
“I will stay in my home,” Juan countered. “My father would understand. I am ahead in my classes. In two years, maybe less, I will finish high school.”
“You are only fourteen, Juan. You can’t hold down a job and go to school. How will you pay for food and electricity?”
“I have a job,” Juan said stubbornly. “And I have money.”
“What job and what money?”
“For a long time, Papa has hidden money under the stones of the escape room. He said it was for my college. But if I don’t finish high school, college won’t matter, and so that money will buy food and pay bills until I get a paying job.”
“You said that you have a job,” Manuel said. “Is it a job for no pay?”
“There is a border agent who allows me to cross and sometimes asks what I have seen. I will talk to him. I will ask him if I can look more closely and get money for the information.”
“Is that border agent named Diego?” Manuel asked.
“I will not tell you his name. We have an agreement not to speak of our arrangement.”
With a sigh and a nod of his head, Manuel accepted Juan’s response. Loyalty was a family trait.
His nephew knew the mountains and the desert better than most of the border agents who patrolled it. And they knew Juan. They called him Chameleon because of the way he could disappear right before their eyes.
Not happy that his young nephew was practically working as an informant, Manuel knew Juan was wise beyond his years. In school, he was lucky enough to have gotten the attention of a teacher, who encouraged his fascination with education. She pushed him to excel, and he did.
“Besides, I cannot leave Marissa,” Juan continued. “I help her and her mother with some chores.”
“Tell me about Marissa.”
“She is my girlfriend. Marissa and her mother live very close to my house. Marissa and I are going to be married.”
“Aren’t you a bit young to be thinking of marriage?” Despite the circumstances, Manuel grinned.
“You know Papa married when he was sixteen. In eighteen months, I will be sixteen.”
Manuel understood that relocating Juan was going to be difficult and maybe impossible. Without the boy’s agreement to stay with him, his uncle did not doubt that Juan would keep leaving Manuel’s home and returning to Mexico. He was his father’s son.
“Tomorrow, I will meet Marissa and her mother. If her mother agrees to watch over you, I will agree that you can stay in your home. But you must stay in close touch with me and go to school every single day.”
“I will agree,” Juan said. He stopped walking and offered his hand to Manuel.
His uncle clasped Juan’s hand, surprised at the youngster’s sturdy grip.
“We have a contract,” Juan said, his jaw set with determination.
For the next hour, they alternated between a slow jog and a fast pace and covered the ground quickly. When they got within sight of his brother’s house, Manuel said, “Wait here. Stay out of sight until I signal you.”
Juan waited by a wooden fence and crouched in the shadows. He watched his uncle make a wide circle around the yard and approach his house from the back side. It wasn’t more than a minute before Manuel opened the front door and gave his nephew the all-clear sign.
“Do you think more will come?” Juan asked.
“No. Jorge is the only one who had a vendetta against your papa and unfortunately for his two friends, they followed him blindly. If we did our job right, it will be days before others even know they are missing.”
“What will we tell the police about Papa?”
“We will tell them that intruders broke in and your Papa confronted them. Before he could defend himself, they shot him. We will tell them I was up in the loft with you when it happened. I fired back at them and hit one or maybe two of them and they ran out. I will give descriptions of the intruders. You were behind me and couldn’t get a good look. Can you stick to that story?”
“I can, Uncle Manny.”
“Now it is time to call the police. I will stay with you for two days. Tomorrow morning, you will take me to meet Marissa and explain what happened. We will plan the funeral service for the day after.”
If the police suspected that Manuel’s story was not accurate, they gave no indication.
Alejandro and Juan lived in a rough area. Gang violence was not uncommon in the nearby town and occasionally it overflowed into the homes that were situated on the outskirts. Their assumption was that Alejandro’s death was one of those occasions.
Three Years Later
Juan was in Mexico, but just barely. It was late afternoon, and he was on his way home from Texas when he heard a familiar voice.
“Hold up there, son.” Juan stopped and turned toward the sound. He recognized the voice. The man who called to him must be hidden behind the cactus or hunkered down in the gully.
***
The following links will take you to the entire short story. It’s afree download.
Dive into Five Stories Short, a Supernatural Quintet. Read it with an open mind and you might wonder if everything could be possible.
The Legacy: Lydia is a psychic. When her grandson becomes the catalyst for a spirit’s plot to kill his mother, she joins forces with a natural witch to defeat the entity. As a battle rages, Lydia learns she has more power than she’d realized. Laughing Hills: The little people of Laughing Hills call on centuries of magic to stay safely hidden after their guardian is murdered and their entire community is placed in jeopardy. Mommy, Look: With her husband in a coma, finances tight, and a toddler to raise, Bianca’s life is in chaos. But help arrives, although in disguise and provided by someone she didn’t believe existed. The Ancient Ones: After Brian and Tammy visit an antique shop, their lives are changed by two fetishes, a lion and a raven. The Last Act: While renovating an old theater, Carolyn is befriended by Jolene, an actress who haunts the building and takes their friendship seriously.
Today is release day for Five Stories Short! It’s on sale through 12/26/24 for $.99.
Written in a variety of genres, LONG STORIES SHORT is a collection of drama, suspense, and paranormal stories that don’t end quite the way the reader expects.
Here’s what a few Amazon readers have to say:
“…a compelling collection of stories that would appeal to all readers…they carry a touch of realism that won my heart.”
“… unique twists and turns that set the reader on edge as the pages fly.”
“…a collection of suspenseful stories filled with thrills and paranormal situations in realistic settings.”
“…stories are character centered with plot twists that keep you on the edge.”
I hope you enjoy the stories. Please take a minute and leave a comment. Ivan and I would love to hear from you.
Jeff Frazier is a racehorse trainer whose dream is about to become a reality. But when his horse becomes the catalyst for murder, Jeff’s dream becomes a nightmare. A well-known jockey is killed and an innocent man is arrested. The racing world is in chaos. While the killer’s identity remains a mystery, some want to deliver their own form of justice. As the trial date nears, the fate of three families depends on uncovering the truth. As past associations are revived, they expose those determined to win at any cost.
Please share the link with your friends, and enjoy a mystery I doubt you’ll solve before the end of the book.
Editorial Reviews:
“A crime tale with an engaging setting and some intriguing characters” Kirkus Reviews.
“Black has crafted a truly exhilarating reading experience that weaves together the worlds of horse racing and crime thriller with really effective results.” Readers’ Favorite.
“…driven by the strength of its characters…well-plotted murder mystery…” Book Review Directory.
“fast paced and a real page turner… with so much description and realism, it’s as if you are actually in the story.” Amazon Review.
Ivan likes to watch the field goal attempts. That flying football gets his attention every time.
And he reacts accordingly when they miss one.
On July 1st I released BOPAMA, a short story, filled with fantasy and the paranormal. When a child exhibits extraordinary ability in the practice of the ancient religion of Bopama, a powerful practitioner is challenged, and will stop at nothing to eliminate the threat to his supremacy.
BOPAMA is free from August 1st through August 5, 2024. Please download a copy and give it a try.
“This delightful short story spans several centuries with memorable characters. The use of spirit dolls–and of course Karen Black’s trademark “critters”–enhance the mood. The writing is exceptional and although I tend toward single word/short-phrase spells, the beautiful rhyming spells fulfill my poetic tendencies. Surely Karen Black is descended from the troubadours of old who sang the most captivating stories because her narrative style is never boring, always edging us on to read one more page.” Amazon Review by Clarissa
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Best wishes for a great August. I hope your favorite football team has a great pre-season!
The hummingbird babies have hatched and fledged and we’re seeing tiny nectar drinkers hovering in the flowers. Migrating birds, butterflies, and baby critters are my favorite part of summer. The herbs loved that June heatwave and have flourished. I’ve got enough parsley, sage, rosemary, thyme, and oregano to last a year. Oregano notwithstanding, I’m sure Simon and Garfunkel would be pleased. Do you remember that song?
If you’re looking for your next novel and enjoy epic adventure and fantasy with a touch of realism, you might enjoy my new release, Goldfield Forest. It’s on sale for $1.99 through July 31st.
In 1783, August Alexander becomes lost during an archaeological expedition in the Amazon jungle. After wandering for days, he has little hope of survival before a mystical clan saves his life. August doesn’t realize his ancestors were guardians of the fae, or that his encounter with the clan of lion people sets off a series of events that spans two centuries.
Like August, Maria Goldfield is an archaeologist. She is also a 21st-century guardian of the fae. When Lena, a supernatural lioness, needs help to prevent the destruction of the rainforest and the demise of its magical inhabitants, she turns to Maria. Risking her life and the future of the little people she protects in Goldfield Forest, Maria agrees to accompany the lioness to the Amazon jungle. There, they confront Bagrim, a warlock, and fight to protect the plants that provide the only cures for illnesses that could cause the death of otherwise immortal fae worldwide.
The novel has Ivan’s seal of approval! Of course, Ivan approves almost anything that doesn’t wake him.
Here’s what some editorial reviewers had to say about Goldfield Forest.
“This enchanting novel will transport you to a world of magic and wonder, filled with mystery, intrigue, and unforgettable characters that will keep you turning the pages until the very end.” Midwest Book Review
“…a narrative filled with intrigue, suspense, and fantastical creatures, keeping readers eagerly flipping pages through fantastical settings to discover the fate of these highly lovable characters.” Readers’ Favorite
“…a fantasy lover’s fantasy. This novel is sprinkled with fairy dust. There are little people everywhere, waving and winking at you … with natural imagery, you’re going to love spending time in these forests.” Independent Book Review
I hope your summer is filled with magic. Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter!
Do you like fantasy? If so, sit back, put your feet up, and relax for fifteen minutes as you take a trip to Goldfield Forest.
When an 18th-century archaeologist saves the life of an elf in the Amazon rainforest, he has no idea his kindness will set off a chain of events that, two and a half centuries later, will affect a contemporary witch and the little people she protects.
Goldfield Forest will be released on July 4th, but you can read the first two chapters in Preview of Goldfield Forest now. It’s free at Amazon and most other ebook retailers.
Lounging on the beach, or lounging in your living room, if you enjoy mysteries, it’s nice to settle back and get lost in one. Race into Murder is free today through May 27th. https://amzn.to/3zKNpZZ
Jeff Frazier trains racehorses, and his dream of a champion is about to come true. But a jockey is murdered, an innocent man is arrested, and Jeff’s dream becomes a nightmare. The racing world is in chaos as the killer is torn between justice & morality. “A crime tale with an engaging setting and some intriguing characters” Kirkus Reviews. “…driven by the strength of its characters…well-plotted murder mystery…” Book Review Directory.
When Johnny comes home from Vietnam, he thinks he’s done fighting. But when the battle comes to his doorstep, he doesn’t hesitate. “…a thought-provoking, action-filled short story…” Amazon Review, Jan S. “…pulled me in with the first paragraph and kept me wondering what was going to happen next.” Amazon Review, Charles Jones.
If you have a minute, I need your help! It appears some of my newsletters are being kidnapped and routed to junk. To combat the problem, I’m told the receiver needs to comment on the email or add the sender’s address to the contact list. So, even if you didn’t need to search your spam to find this newsletter, would you please write a short comment? Just “hello” or an emoji should do the trick and I would appreciate it.
Stories By Karen 