Veronica's #WritersDiary: It's Reveal Day for Shadow Reflection, Book 4 in The Haunted Series!

"Reflections shift, unleashing the shadows within..."

Bibiana Krall

Veronica Cline Barton

Well, hello August--and for lovers of all things scary, the countdown to Spooky Season has begun! Today, Bibiana Krall and I are super excited to reveal our latest collaboration in the Haunted Series, Shadow Reflection!

I cannot believe it's been four years since we first began this writing journey together as the world shutdown, thrusting the planet and its inhabitants into conditions and experiences never seen (or imagined) before.

It has been a complete honor and privilege to work with Bibiana during this time. In the midst of unprecedented uncertainty, we were able to create a unique project that provided a plethora of fascinating conversations and giggles I will treasure forever. Shadow Reflection will be the final book in the Haunted Series, joining Hearth Fires, Tangled Webs, and Wicked Mist. It's a bittersweet decision for us to end the writing collaboration here, but we hope to take this exciting series with its 24 stories to the next level and pitch as a television or streaming production in a new phase of our teamwork! The entertainment industry is currently in extreme flux with the writers/SAG strike and emergence of creative A.I. platforms, but it may offer us a great opportunity to get our haunted foot in the door as new production strategies emerge in the coming months... This story is developing...

Coming September 4th, Labor Day, let's give you something to talk about...

One book, six stories...who's ready to read some scary tales?

Mask by Veronica Cline Barton

Darkness consumes a young woman’s heart, its rhythmic beat spewing disdain for her life in the Alaskan coastal village of Coldwater Cove. On a fateful day, she learns her life has been dealt a scandalous blow. Her rage plots a vengeful scheme to bring those around her to a disastrous end. The ancients who dwell in a nearby, mystical cave have a different plan in store.

White Raven by Bibiana Krall

A fearless woman conquers Africa's highest peak, but when she reaches the summit, a supernatural encounter unlocks a chain of events that profoundly impact the lives of everyone she's crossed paths with.

Flipside by Veronica Cline Barton

In a world gone mad with conspiracy theories de jour; global, mass delusion; and the scientific community, fueled by AI, plodding recklessly into the unknown—hope for mankind’s survival is dwindling away. Faith struggles to grasp the critical, key insights left behind in her deceased aunt’s journals that might give humanity a chance. The answers are out there, delivered by an unexpected source. Tick-Tock.

Obelisk by Bibiana Krall

When a brilliant, female astronomer journeys to Chile, she unearths a bone-chilling connection between an ancient civilization known for its enigmatic rock carvings depicting extraterrestrial beings. Do they carry a message that might unlock the mysteries of the cosmos?

Hijinks by Veronica Cline Barton

Tempers flare in the magical town of Mystique Falls, a place where no latitudes or longitudes exist, only the calendars of holidays yet-to-come. When a crisis strikes, will the maven of Christmas and the witch of Halloween be able to put aside their squabbles to solve a mysterious disappearance? Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

Billy by Bibiana Krall

In the chilling shadows of autumn, a tormented and sensitive soul, long gone from this world, seeks revenge from beyond the grave.

Something sinister resurfaces to torment the only true friend they’d ever had, as an unsettling game of cat and mouse unfolds, the realms of the living and the dead intertwine in a haunting story of twisted loyalty, the power of love and spectral vengeance.

Without further ado, let's watch the fabulous Shadow Reflection book trailer now on YouTube, designed and produced by Bibiana!

As with all projects, it takes a village to get things done! Special shout outs to Danielle Gregorio for the fabulous book cover design; Theresa Snyder for her superb editing; and Kathleen Harryman for her spooktacular artwork and animations for that all important book marketing!

Thank you so much for stopping in for the scoop on our latest book release, mark those calendars for September 4th! Halloween is coming... But for now, it's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:

#AmReading #AmReviewing

Enlightening takes from a queen of horror and murderous suspense this week from the writers of X (formerly known as Twitter)...

Author Shirley Jackson, Let Me Tell You, 5 ⭐

In this collection of essays, short stories, and musings on life and the bizarre, Author Jackson gives readers an up close and personal glimpse into her world and thoughts on the writing craft. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the short stories included that gave you snippets of the horror the author draws masterfully from the ordinary.

A walk or drive through the neighborhood turns into a tale of foreboding and eerie situations. She packs a punch with the thoughts of the characters as the fear and madness consumes them. It made me appreciate even more what a talented writer she was.

I also enjoyed her musings on the home front: from the caring of her children and pets, to the unexpected paranormal entities who seemingly co-inhabited her house (eek!), to the cooking utensil she adored (yes, I tracked one down myself). This was an informative, entertaining read from one of the writing masters, delightfully delivered in her voice, highly recommended!

Author Joy York, Genuine Deceit, 5 ⭐

When Reagan Asher's grandmother is brutally murdered, her return to her home soon leads to a terrorizing series of events. Someone is convinced the house contains something they want. Her close friend is concerned and has her brother-in-law stay close to Reagan during the investigation to protect her. Ex-Navy Seal, Aiden Rannell agrees, but has he taken on more than he can handle?

Dark family secrets, tragedies, and hidden treasure emerges, leading Reagan to question her upbringing. She's also perplexed with her budding feelings for Aiden. As the attacks continue, her friends' lives are also in danger. Will Reagan and Aiden be able to find out who is behind the decades old mystery before someone else is injured or killed?

Author York weaves a page turning tale of thrilling suspense. Just when you think you may have figured out who's doing what, another twist changes things all around. A highly recommended read for fans of suspense-filled mysteries, with a daring dash of romance!

Next up in the reading queue:

A good time was had by all...

The OH and I truly enjoyed our mini vacay in Las Vegas last week. We loved walking through the hotel exhibits (and shops!) and the food was incredible! The OH was offered a plethora of free desserts when we mentioned we were here celebrating his big 8-0 bday, LOL. Gotta say, the restaurants in this desert town are top notch! #ThankYou

Welcome to my world. Until next time, have a good one!

Crowns and Kisses,

Veronica

P.S. It's a cozy mystery topic next post...Mystery and suspense--when love takes a deadly turn... Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑