​It was the usual crowd you’d see at these sorts of events; rack selections from Old Navy, Macey’s, L.L. Bean, and a few custom jobs from Rodeo Drive.  Stereotypes were frequently assumed; few lived outside of what their costumes described.   Occasionally, you’d find one or two who managed a bit of authentic sheen, but it was rare.  As they milled about, over-imbibing and over-exaggerating, popular lyrics could be recognized by anyone who’d attended in years past.

“When the wife and me were on vacation in the desert of Peru,” one man began, as he dropped his very drunken arm around a nearby companion, “we visited the Nazca Lines, you know, those famous crop circle things, and everything looked like it did in that Discovery Channel documentary, except one thing.  There was a porcupine carved in the ground.  Can you believe it!  A blasted porcupine right there in the dirt!”  He slapped his companion on the back, nearly toppling himself to the ground, yet salvaging each and every one of his Scotch-drenched ice cubes.  “We saw it from the helicopter.  Now, I ask you, how is that possible?  I don’t even think they have porcupines in Peru.  It’s got to be aliens, right?!  What else could do that?  Eons of fast-moving water during the time of the dinosaurs, or even all the years after, couldn’t possibly be that precise or that creative.  We’re being lied to; make no mistake.  There’s something much bigger going on here!”

 “The same thing happened at Roswell, am I right?” chimed in another zealot.  “I know there has to be a bigger story there.  Weather balloons and fake alien autopsies, come on!  How does anyone believe that nonsense?  I’m ex-military,” he said with a left-handed salute that nearly cold-cocked a passerby, “and I tell you, there’s simply no reason to have a military base in the middle of the dessert and claim it doesn’t exist.  The point of having a base is to intimidate the other guys.  And once they’re discovered, why would they claim that it’s for ‘secret’ testing of aircraft and other military stuff?  I’m telling you straight,” he said with an air of superiority, “if you wanted a base to be secret, you’d put it inside of a mountain or twenty thousand leagues under the sea, not right out in the open where people driving by and satellites can find it.  I was a pilot,” he said, pulling at the left lapel of his sport coat where a small gold airplane pin sat perched, “it must be a tarmac for incoming aliens.  Why else would they deny its existence?”

“You’re right,” said a woman who had been eavesdropping from inside her less-than-interesting hen clutch.  “No one would believe that… but the bigger question is, why do they keep propagating these lies?  What are they trying to distract us from… what heinous, horrific thing is happening right under our noses that they don’t want us to discover?  It’s like a worldwide magician’s sleight-of-hand.”  The men nodded in agreement.  “It’s like they’re trying to confuse us with the strange, flashy thing right in front of us to avoid drawing attention to the fact that they’re pulling the wires off stage.”  The men raised their glasses in a toast, and the group clinked in unison, adding their stamp of approval to her proclamation.

As the assembly gradually moved from standing to taking chairs at banquet tables scattered about the hall, their attention was quickly drawn to the small stage at the front of the room.  One of the event organizers tapped the microphone at the podium and began his speech, continuing the shared conversations from the collection of believers without segue or introduction.  “It’s our fundamental right as human beings to know the truth about our own origins.” 

Applause swelled.  Some members tapped knives to glasses in support of the speaker’s remarks.

“Government agencies, in partnership with religious organizations, have been keeping us deluded for far too long.  They tell us that the designs we see in crop circles and the indentations at Nazca are simply geological malformations.  They insist that we are manipulating our own vision to feed some psychological desire to describe something we can’t or don’t want to understand.” 

Boos and hisses radiated from the floor with a rhythmic chanting of “Lies, it’s all lies!”  Once the commotion began to subside, the speaker continued.

“They tell us there’s a logical reason.  They filibuster our intellect from the time we’re in grade school until we are middle-aged adults when finally, we believe their storylines without question.  ‘It’s a hoax,’ they claim.” 

More hisses, jeers, and sneers came from the crowd.

“‘It’s a naturally occurring phenomenon,’ they say.” 

“No way!”  yelled a group of twenty-somethings to the right. 

“Yet we understand the truth.  We have been visited, and we will be visited again… and the time is growing very near!” 

Applause bounced off the ceiling tiles and spilled out into the foyer from the hotel’s grand ballroom.
“Scour away all the nonsense and allow the truth to be seen in its full glory; this should be our rallying cry,” the speaker hollered as he pounded his fist on the podium.  “The government can’t keep us from knowing, especially if what they withhold could affect our safety.”

“We want the Truth!” screamed a pack of millennials to the right.

“We are entitled to protect ourselves and our families.  If we have been visited by aliens, and those of us here tonight are certain that we have, how do we know that these aliens haven’t made a deal with Washington to annihilate us all when the time is right?  Make no mistake, such a treaty would be easily cast if it meant bank accounts would be swollen and interstellar cushions would soften their descent when there are no other options left.  Let’s face it, our government is not now and never has been, operating in our best interests.  The alien coverup is just a small piece of that pie.”

More applause and cheers erupted from the audience as waiters and waitresses worked hard to refill water glasses without becoming drenched by overturned tableware.

“In spite of this, now is the time that we must play possum, draw back, and allow the insolent to falter with their counterfeit compass.  They will stumble as they saunter toward the door of what they believe to be an easy exit.  Only then will they fall victim to the same sleight-of-hand that they have been perpetrating against us all these decades.” 

The woman at table eight nodded and offered her new friends a smug grin.

“Once we pull back, relent, stop pressing for answers; only then will they make the mistake that will divulge their true intentions, and they will be betrayed.  That’s when we’ll catch them in their deception and set in motion our mutiny, thrashing hard at their political solar plexus and forcing out the flatulence of their duplicity.”

The crowd exploded with cheers of “mutiny” and “hit ‘em where it hurts,” accompanied by clinking stemware, high-fives, and gregarious pats on the back.  This amalgamation of different thinkers trusted strongly in their own rhetoric and we are not going to be persuaded otherwise.

As the rabble continued congratulating themselves and began comparing notes about their most excellent plan, a stout little man with rounded posture approached the dais.  He wore tan khakis and the brown cardigan of honorable respect, as would a veteran of the Normandy invasion.  Still, his head held no hair nor hat, his dark eyes were shaped like almonds, his tiny nose appeared to be lacking cartilage, and his ears were flat to the side of his head.  His skin held a grey pallor that gave the impression of a foreboding illness.  The crowd was drawn to their feet as they felt the energy of his approach.  None could explain their silence nor their fragility in his presence.  There was an electric charge to the air.

He stepped up to the podium and adjusted the microphone.  “I’ve been sent to give you a message,” he intoned with the gentle expression of somebody’s great-grandfather.  He reached for a bottle of water from the nearby table, and as he took a long draw, a voice could be heard from the back of the crowd.  A middle-aged woman stepped from the camouflage of the throng and shouted the words many were thinking.

“I know the truth… you can’t hide from me,” she said, thrusting her arm forward and pointing directly at the little man.  “You’re a GREY!  Don’t deny it… you’re an alien sent to give us the final ultimatum!”
​
“No,” he said calmly, putting the water bottle aside, unbuttoning his sweater, and allowing it to fall to the floor.  “My name is Michael,” he roared as bright white wings unfolded from the hunch on his back, “and God is very displeased!”

​Yesterday, as I celebrated her birthday, and my honor of sharing another year of life with such a vibrant soul, I received a phone call telling me that my dear friend, Kate McNeil, had passed away. The world has lost a bright light of kindness and creativity.  I am devastated. 

I cannot imagine what the world will be like without her bright smile, her snarky wit, and her empathetic heart.  I cannot imagine what the world will be like without her gentle voice, her strong tender hugs that easily transferred the weight of my world onto her broad, compassionate shoulders.  I cannot imagine what the world will be like without her ingenious storytelling, her effervescent commitment to help others, her sparkling eyes, and lyrical giggle.

Kate was my literary sister, sanity saver, keeper of my secrets, and protector of my tears.  She was the good swift kick in the butt I often needed.  Always generous with her time, she was my story arc brainstorming buddy, my social media instructor, my cheerleader for every accomplishment, no matter how large or small.  Kate never underestimated my work, encouraging me ever forward toward the next risk-taking, fear-breaking wall of opportunity.  She lent me her relentless strength in moments when I couldn’t find my own with a joyful heart and a seemingly endless supply of kindness.  She was simply, easily, genuinely nice.

Kate was a spectacular author.  She crafted wonderful books filled with adventure, strength, and snark.  I will miss traveling through her imagination, following her characters as they discovered plots, fell in love, outwitted villains, created deep friendship bonds, and surprised with hidden talents.  I will miss the devious smile when I asked about her connections to the Secret Service and hearing her gleeful reply; “I cannot confirm nor deny.”   

I take a small bit of comfort in knowing that whenever I miss her, I can still caress the pages and inhale the words she left behind.  I know my dear friend Kate well.  I know she is at peace, surrounded by the infinite love she gave so generously to others.  And knowing her, she’s probably in a corner of creation somewhere, teaching someone something.
​
Katherine “Kate” Amby Wallace McNeil
Author, Teacher, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend
July 13, 1979 – July 13, 2022

About The Author: In 2021, the second year of the global pandemic, Tom Tracy, like so many of us, found a new passion – writing children’s stories. Inspired by his now 5-year-old daughter’s curiosity for the world around her, Tom embarked on his story-telling journey.

Tom’s books are necessary contributions in the world of children’s literature. There are precious few children’s books that help kids understand adoption or feature same-sex parents. Increasing the library of available books that feature “families like mine” is important in helping to create a sense of belonging and value. Tom's books honor diversity and affirm that families of all kinds are special, making them must-have books not only for LGBT families but all families.

Tom and his husband, Elliott, live in NJ. Their family consists of two daughters of different races who have been brought to them through adoption.  In their family, Elliott is “Daddy” and Tom is “ODie” – a take on “Other Daddy”.

Title: Scoochie & Skiddles: Fun at Gramma’s

Genre: Children’s Fiction; LGBTQ+ Friendly

Book Synopsis: Scoochie and Skiddles are cousins who learn important life lessons through their amazing adventures together. In Fun at Gramma's, Scoochie and Skiddles discover that the best times are created through creativity, imagination, and the joy of family. Scoochie and Skiddles turn an ordinary day into something magical and exciting. When the day ends, Scoochie must find a positive way to manage her feelings of disappointment and Gramma helps in only that special way that a Gramma can. Join them on their adventure to "the best day ever".

Find The Book HERE! 

Visit Tom's Website HERE! 

Watch the YouTube Video HERE!

About The Author: Sally Valentine is a native of Rochester, New York, and has spent many years in the Rochester City School District as both a student and a teacher. While growing up, she lived in Rochester and spent a great deal of time at her grandmother’s farm in Orleans County. She attended SUNY at Albany for a BS in math education and then taught for 25 years. She also has an MS from Nazareth College. She currently lives in Walworth, and is an unapologetic booster of both Rochester and all of New York State.

Title: Martha the Hairpreneur co-authored with Jane Plitt

Genre: YA Creative NonFiction

Book Synopsis: This is a fictionalized young adult story of an extraordinary Canadian immigrant woman who transforms her life. It is a Cinderella/Rapunzel story with a twist . Martha Matilda Harper rescues herself and thousands of other poor women. Discover how and why she invents the first reclining shampoo chair and launches modern franchising and ends up with over 500 franchises worldwide. She came to the U.S with $60, a jug full of special hair tonic, a formula, and a determination to break out of servitude after 25 years. Cheer her on and be inspired to dare to pursue your own dreams.

Find Sally’s Website HERE!

Find The Book HERE!

Watch the YouTube Video HERE!

About The Author: Michael Samerdyke was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Odyssey Writers Workshop and has won the Lonesome Pine Short Story Contest twice, for "Snowman" and "The Rest of the Way Home," and the Appalachian Heritage Writers Symposium contest for "The Frankenstein Doll." He currently lives and writes in southwestern Virginia.

Title: Toys and ‘Toons

Genre: Fantasy/Humor

Book Synopsis: "Toys and 'Toons" is a collection of six fantasy stories inspired by toys and cartoons. Meet an unloved toy that looks like the Frankenstein Monster, a cartoon star looking back on his past, and a wolf recalling his war with the three little pigs, among other characters.
​
Find The Book HERE!

Visit Michael’s Website HERE! 
​
Watch the YouTube Video HERE!

About The Author: Sandra Rose Simmons’ debut novel, “Moon Glow” was published in 2016.  Her short story “The Hobo Shack” won the 2017 Tempe Community Writing Contest for adult fiction and is featured in Tempe Writers Forum, Volume 3.

A former teacher, social worker, administrator, and consultant, Sandra is inspired by people and their struggles to not only survive but thrive and find meaning in life.

Her stories reflect her interests in nature, travel, hiking, dancing, and spirituality.  Family and friendships have played a major role in her life and helped her maintain balance and perspective as she navigated the difficulties of being a working single mother and caregiver to her elderly parents and life partner.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Desert Sleuths chapter, Mesa Writers Guild, Society of Southwest Authors, and ALWAYS.

Title: Moon Glow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Book Synopsis: Sara Flanagan has made great progress. After eight years of working in a Chicago bank, she has risen to Assistant Branch Manager. And now a promotion to run her own branch brings with it a move to the suburbs, a new condo, and a new life.

She has scarcely gotten settled when the trouble starts. Someone in the branch, possibly with an accomplice, has pillaged the bank’s cash, and top management has ordered an investigation even though Sara is right in the middle of finding and fixing the problem. Could a recent system change at her branch, initiated by the Assistant Manager, have created an opportunity for theft? Would a past affair with her former boss have a negative impact on her reputation and professional advancement or even threaten to end her career?

Meanwhile, significant changes in her personal life add to her stress and anxiety–concern about the health and safety of her aging parents mixed with guilt that they want more of her time than she can give. On top of that, she has just begun to make new friends and social connections, including a new man, Warren, whom she finds irresistibly attractive.

Uncertainty clouds every aspect of Sara’s life, at times leaving her almost beyond the ability to cope. Her days and nights are marked by worry and fear, relieved only by brief intervals of joy and emotional release. Her challenge is to find the way through—and out—to achieving the happy, meaningful life she’s always wanted.

Find The Book HERE!

​Visit Sandra Rose's Website HERE!

​Watch the YouTube Video HERE!

About The Author: Holly Ash is the author of the underwater science fiction series The Journey Missions and the eco terrorism story Cleansing Rain. She has worked for the last fifteen years as an Environmental Engineer after receiving degrees in Environmental Science and English Literature from Central Michigan University. Holly lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband and two tiny people who constantly want her to do things for them.

Title: Crystal & Flint

Genre: Science Fiction

Book Synopsis: It’s been 300 years since humans arrived on Neophia and the planet’s intelligent species have yet to agree on how much influence humans and their advanced technology should have on the planet. With the threat of war hanging in the air, Lieutenant Commander Crystal Wolf races to finish construction of the mega submarine, Journey, in order to calm political tensions on Neophia and cement her already stellar military career.

Find The Book HERE!
Visit Michael’s Website HERE!
Watch The YouTube Video HERE!

About The Author: In 2021, the second year of the global pandemic, Tom Tracy, like so many of us, found a new passion – writing children’s stories. Inspired by his now 5-year-old daughter’s curiosity for the world around her, Tom embarked on his story-telling journey.

Tom’s books are necessary contributions in the world of children’s literature. There are precious few children’s books that help kids understand adoption or feature same-sex parents. Increasing the library of available books that feature “families like mine” is important in helping to create a sense of belonging and value. Tom's books honor diversity and affirm that families of all kinds are special, making them must-have books not only for LGBT families but all families.

Tom and his husband, Elliott, live in NJ. Their family consists of two daughters of different races who have been brought to them through adoption.  In their family, Elliott is “Daddy” and Tom is “ODie” – a take on “Other Daddy”.

Title: Scoochie & Skiddles: Scoochie's Adoption Story

Genre: Children’s Fiction; LGBTQ+ Friendly

Book Synopsis: In Scoochie's Adoption Story, Scoochie takes you on the journey of her and her daddies’ adoption experience. She tells of the many distinct processes related to adoption such as the "match" process between her birth mom and daddies, the hospital and post-hospital experience, and the adoption hearing that legalized her adoption. Most importantly, she expresses her respect and positivity for her birth mom and birth family, while exuding immense pride and endless love for her two daddies and soon to be adopted sister. While the book's theme is Scoochie's adoption, it honors and celebrates families of all types and structures. The story is an uplifting story about the bond family.

Find The Book HERE!
Visit Tom’s Website HERE!
Watch the YouTube Video HERE!

About The Author: Mark Love lived for many years in the metropolitan Detroit area, where crime and corruption are always prevalent. As a former freelance reporter, Mark honed his writing skills covering features and hard news.  He is the author of the Jamie Richmond romance mysteries, Devious, Vanishing Act and Fleeing Beauty, and the novella Stealing Haven. The short story, Don’t Mess with the Gods, was written with Elle Nina Castle and was included in the Magic & Mischief anthology.  Mark also wrote the Jefferson Chene mystery series, including WHY 319? and Your Turn to Die. The latest Chene novel The Wayward Path has just recently been released. Mark now resides in West Michigan, where he enjoys a wide variety of music, books, travel, cooking, and the great outdoors.

Title: Stealing Haven

Genre: Romance/Mystery

Book Synopsis: After months of hard work, Jamie and her best friend, Linda, are on vacation. Lounging on the sandy beaches of South Haven, on the shore of Lake Michigan, the ladies only plan is no plan. No deadlines for Jamie, the investigative reporter. No papers to grade for Linda, the high school teacher. It’s time to kick back and relax.

That lasted until lunchtime on Monday, when they shared a table with Jared, a local cop, and Randy, a city official who only had eyes for Jamie. Casual conversation revealed a home invasion, which got Jamie’s curiosity going.
While the two friends explore South Haven, Jamie discovered a pattern with the home invasions. Sharing her clues with Jared, it isn’t long before Jamie and Linda are recruited to help catch the crooks.

Sand, sun, romance, and a mystery to solve. Sounds like a perfect vacation for Jamie.
​
Visit Mark’s Website HERE! 
Find The Book HERE!  
Watch The YouTube Video HERE!