Monday, August 8, 2022

New Summer Reading

 Hello All,

So, we are past the middle of summer. The air is still warm and hopefully you have time to relax with your favorite beverage by the pool, lake, beach, or wherever you like.

How is the summer reading going? Find any hidden gems? Fall in love with an old friend all over again? Have you found a new author that you can't get enough of their work?

Please share.

I am reading Brandon Q. Morris. His books are science rich and character deep. I recommend giving him a try if you are a Sci-Fi fan.

I have also found an exciting author T. R. Ragan. Great action with settings so real I could really feel like I knew the places and characters.

I hope you all are having a good summer and are able to enjoy your time with family and friends. Or not. Maybe you have found the solitude of social distancing really appeals to you. Whichever is your case, I hope you are enjoying yourself.

All the best,


T. L. Scott

Friday, June 3, 2022

Summer Reading

 Hello Fellow Readers,

I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to relaxing on the deck, by the pool, and by the shore, with a great book. After all of the hard work we deserve to kick back.

I am an avid reader as well as an author. I love all forms of a good story. When a good story makes me fall into it to the point that I lose track of what is going on around me, when I look up and surprised by how much time has gone by, I know I have found a winner. When I do put it down and can't stop thinking about it... yup, you get it don't you. 

A great story is a powerful thing.

I am looking for a new series to fall into. Any recommendations?

Stay safe and look out for each other.

All the best,

T. L. Scott



Thursday, March 31, 2022

New Release Crime Drama Shifting Sands

 Hello again,


I hope you are all doing well. If you have not already done so, please drop by and take a look at my new web page- www.tlscottauthor.com

Shifting Sands, the sequel to Fault Line is published and ready for you to enjoy. You can find it on my web page or you can go directly to Amazon.com: Shifting Sands: A Bill Thompson Thriller: 9798438473916: Scott, T. L.: Books

Please leave a review. They are very important for authors.

If you want to talk further about the book, or any of the other books or characters let me know.

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Fast paced crime drama sequel to Fault Line is available on Amazon

 Hello All,

I am happy to inform you that Shifting Sands is published. It is available for your purchase on Amazon. I also have a new web site. Stop on by and give it a look. Let me know what you think of it.


https://www.tlscottauthor.com




Here is the first chapter for your reading pleasure.


Chapter 1

“So, you’re not even going to talk to me,” he asked, taking his eyes off the road long enough to look at her. She was as far away from him as she could possibly be, her body turned, lodged up against the passenger door, staring out at the dark snowy night. Her arms were tightly crossed across her chest. Her face was hidden by her hair, a curtain providing another layer from him. It hid the tears falling from her eyes. Her left leg bounced up and down as she tapped her heel on the floorboard. Anger rolled off her in waves.

“I didn’t do anything!” He shouted, slapping the steering wheel. “You’ve got to believe me. I know it looked bad, but I’d never do that to you, Stacy. I love you.”

“Stop the car, Steve,” she said, keeping her voice at a reasonable tone.

“What?”

“I said, stop the car, Steve.”

“All right, I’ll shut up.”

“I said, stop the damn car, Steve! I don’t want to be in here with you for another second.”

“It’s freezing,” he protested. “I’m not going to let you walk home. Like I said, I’ll just shut up and drive you home.”

“Stop the fucking car,” she screamed, turning to face him. “Stop it now or I swear I’ll fucking jump.” She shoved the car door open, cold air rushed in, making her threat feel all the more real.

He didn’t know what shocked him more, her cussing like that or the devastated look on her face. He had no choice. He hit the brakes, hard. The tires lost their grip on the ice crusted snow-packed road. Steve turned into the skid fighting to keep the car under control. He managed to avoid going into the ditch. The tire came to rest against the snow packed edge, just short of the four foot drop off.

As soon as the car stopped, Stacy jumped out. She stormed off, not bothering to close the door.

Steve got out of the car. His foot slipped on an icy spot. He grabbed onto the top of the door. He barely avoided falling on the slippery road. “Shit!” he said, when his shin hit the bottom of the door. He pulled himself up. “Come on, Stacy,” He yelled after her. He watched as she kept walking away.

“Fuck! Fuck. Fuck,” he said, climbing back into the car. He hit the gas to hard which only spun the tires. He took a deep breath then slowly pressed down on the gas pedal to make the car creep back from the shoulder. He carefully turned the car so that it was heading back into town.

He followed behind her for about 10 minutes. He was sure she’d calm down enough to get back in the car. When that didn’t happen, he eased the car up alongside her. He rolled the passenger window down. “Come on, Stacy,” he said in a reasonable tone of voice. “This is silly. Get back in the car. I promise I won’t say another word.”

She tried to walk faster, her stride short and choppy. The soles of her boots slipped with every step she took. They were designed to look good, not to brave the harsh Iowa winters on a night-time hike.

He dropped back and followed her for another five minutes until he’d finally had enough. She obviously wasn’t going to change her mind, no matter what he said. He pulled up next to her again. “Come on Stacy. Just get in the car. I’ll just bring you home.” She didn’t even look at him. “Last chance,” he warned her.

“I’d rather freeze to death than spend another minute with you. Go ahead and go back to Julie,” she yelled at him.

“Fine then! Believe what you want. I don’t give a shit,” he yelled at her. He gave it too much gas, causing the tires to spin, pelting her with snow and ice as he fishtailed past her.

He’d gone about a quarter mile before he looked back at her in the rearview mirror. He hoped she’d be waving her arms for him to come back, she wasn’t. He considered stopping the car and waiting for her. Maybe she would have cooled off by then. He didn’t. He went home. He thought about calling her. He didn’t. He stayed up taking out his frustrations on the video game. The simulated explosions and killing did nothing for his anger. He checked his phone for the hundredth time. No message. No missed call. Nothing. Eventually he went to bed.

The sound of his ringtone woke him. Reaching for the phone, he clumsily knocked it off the nightstand. The display read 12:37 a. m. and Stacy Home. He answered it. “So you finally…” He stopped talking when he realized he was talking over her dad’s voice. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Where is she, Steve?”

“She’s not home?” he said, sitting up. “I dropped her off hours ago.”

“Where? You brought her home?” Stacy’s dad asked, obviously confused. “She never came home, Steve. Where’d you drop her off at? We’ve been calling her phone, but she doesn’t answer.”

By the time Steve finished telling Mr. Weber about where and why he left his only daughter, his parents had joined him in his room. The call was put on speakerphone, and both sets of parents agreed it was best to call the police. The father’s decided to drive around looking for her. Steve went with his dad and showed him where Stacy got out of his car.

The police were already there, the red and blue lights from their cars, strobing out into the dark. Almost four hours had passed since Steve last saw her in his rearview mirror, head down, feet slipping on the snow-packed road. In that time, the snow had continued to fall. It was enough to cover her purse that had been thrown into the ditch, her phone, money, and everything else still inside. It was the only thing they found.

“Okay, let’s go over this one more time,” said the nicer of the two uniformed officers questioning Steve. “You were at a friend’s house, Julie Adams, right?”

Steve kept his eyes focused on her name tag, Baker. “I already told you that. I’ve told you everything,” he said with a tired sigh. They’d been at this for a long time. Steve didn’t know how long but it didn’t really matter. He was exhausted. The reality that Stacy was gone was smothering him. It was his fault. He shouldn’t have left her. If he’d just kept following her instead of taking off, she’d be home now. She’d be safe.

“Uh-huh, so you were at Ms. Adam's house with Stacy when you two had an argument,” Baker said, reading from her notes.

“Yeah, then we left. She was mad. She got out of the car, and I went home,” said Steve.

“Uh-huh,” Baker said again. “And what time was that?”

“About nine or so,” he told her.

“Uh-huh.” She wrote some more notes down before looking up at him. “And then what?”

“What?” Steve asked, raising his bloodshot eyes up to meet hers.

“And then what happened? You left your girlfriend on the side of the road, at night, in the middle of a snowstorm. The temperature was what, 10, 12 degrees?” Baker looked over to her partner. His name was Davis.

“Sounds about right,” Davis agreed, in a voice that sounded anything but agreeable.

“So, what happened then, Steve? Did you really go home, or did you go someplace else,” asked Baker?

“I went straight home,” said Steve.

“Are you sure? I mean, you must have been pretty upset. You were so angry you just left her. Maybe you went someplace to cool off,” asked Baker? 

Steve shook his head. “No, I just went home.”

“You didn’t stop somewhere along the way?” She asked again.

“I already told you. I went straight home. Did somebody tell you something else,” Steve asked?

“Who would say something like that, Steve? Did somebody see you?” she asked sweetly.

“Nobody. I told you, I didn’t go anywhere. Ask my dad. He was watching the game when I got home. I made a sandwich, then I went up to my room. I played Call of Duty until I went to sleep,” he said.

Officer Baker nodded her head and wrote some more on her legal pad. “Okay, did you call her? You know, to see if she was, okay? Maybe to apologize for making her walk home?”

“I told you, I didn’t kick her out. She’s the one that demanded I let her out. She was going to jump out of the car. I had no choice.” He didn’t like the way his voice cracked. He cleared his throat and sat up straighter in the cold metal chair.

“Oh, so you’re the victim here,” demanded Davis.

“What? No. I’m just saying that I didn’t make her walk. She was mad,” said Steve defensively.

“Yeah, about that, what was it you said you guys were fighting about,” asked Baker.

“That’s none of your business,” he said.

Davis had had enough. He crossed the room and slapped his hand down on the table. “Your girlfriend is missing. She was last seen walking alone on the side of the road during a snowstorm, the temperatures dropping to the single digits. You,” he said, pointing his thick finger at Steve’s face, “were the last person to see her. You, her boyfriend, left her all alone and nobody has seen or heard from her since then. It most definitely is our business. It’s our business to find her, you know, that whole to serve and protect thing? So why don’t we just cut the shit, and you tell us where she is?”

“That’s when it sunk in. He was the last person to see Stacy. She wasn’t at one of her friends. She wasn’t hiding out somewhere she didn’t want him to find her. She was missing. Something terrible happened to her, and it was his fault. He left her there.

“Oh, I see our tough guy has finally figured out how much shit he’s in. Good, now maybe we can finally hear the truth. Why don’t we start with when Stacy walked in on you kissing Julie Adams?” A smile curled Davis’s upper lip. “Oh yeah, Mr. Smart Guy. We’re real cops. Real cops that know how to conduct an investigation. It’s our job to get to the truth, so let’s get there.”

Steve told them basically the same story again, only adding what happened at the party. Stacy had walked in and seen him kissing Julie. That was what the fight had been about. Stacy stormed out of the house and started walking home by herself. He’d talked her into letting him drive her home.

There were leads the police followed, hundreds of them which led nowhere. Reports of sightings continued to come in over the ensuing week’s then month’s that followed. Sightings from as far away as Ohio, Florida, and several from Nevada. None of them turned into anything solid. The police kept the pressure on Steve off and on. His story never changed. His dad had told the same story to the officer he’d been teamed up with while they drove around looking for her in the early hours of that first day of her disappearance.

Months passed with no progress. Stacy had vanished. Winter slowly released its grip and gave way to spring. On a bright sunny day, about forty feet from where her purse had been found, the ice and snow gave up their grip on a gold bracelet with half of a heart attached to it. I love you was inscribed on the back of the heart with Steve under it. The bracelet, like the sweet young girl that had felt so loved when she’d been given it, was swept away without anyone as a witness.


Sunday, November 24, 2019

YA Fiction Book Launch Sequel to Levels

Hello Faithful Readers,

It has been a while since I posted here and for that I am sorry. I am not sorry for the reason why it has been so long. I have been focusing on writing the sequel to the YA dystopian novel Levels. The sequel is done and off to the editor. I really think you are going to love this one. We catch up with Jake and Clare almost a year after their harrowing adventure at Wentley's Department store in Richmond Virginia. They have been searching for the way back to their reality. They've searched through countless alternate realities, sometimes finding a place that seems right until they discover something is not the same. In other realities things are vastly different, like a Mayan Temple overlooking the James River.
In this sequel titled Tunnels, Jake and Clare are ripped from the closest reality to their own they've found yet. They are thrown into a Richmond that has been torn apart by war and a great calamity. They both have grown stronger in their abilities. Jake has much better control and can walk them between realities, finding the one he wants and avoiding those he doesn't. Clare's ability to read and manipulate others emotions has allowed them to save many people throughout their travels.
They will need all their abilities if they are going to defeat their greatest adversary yet. The forces that have been manipulating them have brought them to this broken place to face off with their greatest adversary yet: Elijah Gillespie. He has tasted power and will stop at nothing until he controls the world, no matter how many must die along the way. His lust for power is not only contained to this reality, it threatens to consume myriad worlds in the process unless Jake and Clare can stop him.

Watch for the exciting sequel to Levels to be released in early 2020. Tunnels will be available on Amazon and most major retailers.

All the best,

T. L. Scott

Saturday, December 23, 2017

Fault Line Update

Hello faithful readers.

I have exciting news for you.  The story Fault Line is about to be available on Kindle Scout https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1WGHAW4Y4G1G2

Now this is a new platform for Kindle and I am excited that Fault Line will be part of it.  Basically what needs to happen is I need your help spreading the word about Fault Line.  An excerpt of the story will be available at the above URL.  If people (YOU) are excited about the story, and vote for it, then it bumps up in ranking.  If it gets high enough then the people that voted for it receive a copy of the full story and Amazon pushes it out to the masses.

This is an exciting story.  Just check out this excerpt https://kindlescout.amazon.com/p/1WGHAW4Y4G1G2

See, I told you so!

Seriously, please take the time to check it out.  I am sure you won't be disappointed.

Let me know what you think.

All the best.

TL Scott.

Thursday, October 19, 2017

Great Novel Writing

Hello faithful readers,

I am happy to report to you all that the novels Fault Line and Levels are both being looked at by literary agents and publishers. Both stories are action packed with plenty of interesting plot twists.

Bill is the main character in the story Fault Line.  When a man is about to execute a woman in the middle of Main street in his hometown he has to intervene, with a little help from his Army buddies.  The soldiers team up with local law enforcement and Federal Agents who just happen to be in town conducting surveillance on the gang that has infiltrated this small Texas town. The woman they save, Isabella is a woman with a past. Bill doesn't buy her story that she was just passing through town when the crazy guy targeted her. Bill knows the look of someone that is used to watching their back. There is more to Isabella than meets the eye. Not that she is hard on the eyes. She is stunning and there is definitely an attraction between her and Bill. Central to the story is a lonely little girl Bill sees looking from a window. This exciting story races to its conclusion as a hurricane barrels down on them.

Level's is a tale of a different flavor. It is also full of action and plot twists so good you might strain something. It has a taste of the paranormal with some alternate realities thrown in just for fun. Jake and his dad Derek are shopping for soccer cleats in Wentley's Department store in downtown Richmond Virginia, they left his mom at the cafe' taking care of her business call. Elevators are interesting. When you board them you are doing so as an act of faith. You are placing your faith in arriving where you intend to go. Sometimes it doesn't work out quite as planned. Sometimes, if you look real close, you will see that there are differences. Sometimes you don't have to look hard at all to see the differences. Jake comes to realize that it is him and not the elevator that is making him cross over to these alternate realities. Along the way, a small team forms.  Each member has their unique abilities. They will need to use them all to get to where they need to be. All Jake wants to do is to get back to his Mom and his own reality.

I would love to hear from you.

All the best,

TL Scott

Saturday, September 9, 2017

Looking for Beta Readers Fiction Novel

Hello fellow readers,

I have GREAT news!  The novels Fault Line and Levels are both finished, well to this point anyway.

I am looking for beta readers.  I need readers like you, from my target audience who are able and willing to give constructive feedback to further refine these stories.  I want these stories to be the best they can possibly be.  Your feedback could make the difference.  There's also the added benefit to you that you get to read the story first.

Fault Line is a story about a soldier, Bill, that has gone home to his small town in Texas with his Army buddies, to attend his little sister's wedding.  They were looking forward to getting some rest and relaxation away from war.  Unfortunately, war has found them here, on the streets of small town America.  A man has a woman down on her knees in the middle of Main street.   When he brings the muzzle down, pointing it just inches from her beautiful face, the soldiers are forced to take action.  This fast paced novel has the soldiers team up with local law enforcement and some federal agents who are in town as well, to eradicate this gang that has invaded.  They couldn't have become so embedded without help, help from some one in a position of power, someone that is at fault and has definitely crossed the line, the Fault Line.

The other story, Levels, takes place in a department store.  Jake and his dad are there to buy Jake a pair of soccer cleats.  The day takes a turn when they board the elevator.  When you board an elevator you do so as an act of faith.  You have faith that when the doors open again you will be where you intended to be.  Sometimes it just doesn't work that way.  Sometimes you discover that things are not the same, they are different somehow.  The veil between our reality and what lies beyond is thin.  Jake and his dad, Derek, team up with other passengers they meet along their journey.  Each member of the group has a special strength, a strength the team needs to get through this.  All Jake wants to do is to figure this, whatever this was, and get back to his mom.

Okay, so let me know which one you are interested in reading in the comments section.  I look forward to talking with you and hearing what you think.

TL Scott

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=a+life+worth+living+by+t+l+scott&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aa+life+worth+living+by+t+l+scott

https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=a+life+worth+living+by+t+l+scott

Friday, August 18, 2017

TL Scott Novel Update

Hello dear readers,

It has been a long time since my last post and for that I truly apologize.  There is more to it than being busy with summer, although I must admit it has been fun.  I have been working on a new novel.  The title is Levels.

When you get onto an elevator you do so in faith.  You expect that when the doors open you will be where you planned on going.  Sometimes that isn't so.  What if things were different?  What if reality had shifted?  Jake and his dad Derek find themselves in this shifting situation.  They find that their reality has many levels.  All Jake wants to do is find his way back to his reality and get back to his mom.  They are not alone in their travels.  These strangers form a bond as they make their way through the different levels.

I have also been working on the final edits for the story Fault Line.  I decided that it needed more texture, more growth before I finished with it.  I have to admit that I got swept away with Levels and have not been paying enough attention to finishing up Fault Line.  For those of you that have been waiting on its release, I promise it is coming along.

I will be sending both stories out to publishers and agents soon.

I will be in touch soon with more updates.  Until then happy travels.

TL Scott

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

First Chapter Preview of the next TL Scott Novel Fault Line

Hello faithful readers,

Well the wait is almost over.  The next novel is being screened by some trusted beta readers.  It has been a long time coming but the wait will be worth it.  I am going to paste the first chapter of Fault Line into this post for your reading pleasure.

If you see something that you think would make the story better please comment and let me know.  If you like it then please also let me know.

Let's start up a conversation.  I look forward to interacting with you.

Well, without further ado.  Here it is.

Enjoy:

Chapter 1
Late summer is a great time of year in this part of Texas.  The sun has eased back from the blistering intensity of July.  It now warms the skin instead of frying it like an egg in a skillet.  The air has lost some of its sweltering quality and is stirred by a cool, breeze that rolls gently through the park. 

Kids play in the green oasis of nature.  Several play catch with Frisbees while others toss a baseball back and forth.  Tired mothers watch their tireless toddlers play.  Young couples lay on blankets, basking in the sun as much as they are basking in their love.  Toddlers feed the ducks by the pond.  Joggers make their way along the path which winds around the promenade.  The rhythmic cadence of their footfalls add to the natural rhythm of the day.  At the south-eastern corner of the promenade a black lab races along the green expanse of grass.  It launches into the air and catches a Frisbee with effortless grace.

Bill is taking it all in.  It feels good to be back home.  The smell of fresh cut grass combined with the cool morning breeze helps him to relax like he hasn’t been able to do for so long.

“Man you got ‘a get the Shelby.  If you’re going to get a Mustang you might as well get the best,” said Sam.  Sam was from Virginia Beach and had grown up around muscle cars.  His Dad taught him some of life’s most valuable lessons while tinkering under the hood of one project after another.  When it came to cars Sam knew what he was talking about.  His favorite project had been when he had rebuilt a 442 with his Dad and Uncle.  It had been the first time his Dad had involved him in the restoration of the engine and transmission.  Before that, he had mostly done body work and been the one to fetch what the men needed.  In fact, looking back, it was probably that restoration more than anything else which had led him to decide on being a 63B, light vehicle mechanic.

“Listen man,” said Sebastian, “I still haven’t made up my mind.  Yeah, I love the Shelby but that Camaro is awesome too.”  He held up his hands to forestall the complaints he knew were coming.  “Before you say that it can’t compare with the Mustang think about after-market work.  With some fine tuning and a little tweak to the computer chip she would be sweet!  Now toss in a new transmission and it would scream!”  Sebastian was an Army brat and had spent most of his childhood in Germany.  He had always been good with electronics and had initially come into the Army to do that.  Once he was in the Army himself, he learned about the things the guys in EOD did so he cross-trained and became an 89D.

“It still wouldn’t be the same grumbled Sam.”

“To tell you the truth I’m leaning toward the Beamer.  I’ve been reading about the M3 and it really is a complete package.  I like the way that it rides so low to the ground.  It really hugs the road.”  Sebastian scooted to the edge of his chair while he was talking.  “Its got 425 horse power pushing around 4000 pounds. Get this man, it goes zero to sixty in four point five seconds!”

“You’re right man, said Tommy, that M3 is sweet.”  He was leaning back as usual.  His normal pose, and attitude in general, was relaxed.  “For me though, I’m going to get an Escalade.”  Tommy was from Atlanta and would be going there to visit his Mother after the wedding.  Like the rest of the guys he hadn’t been home in over eight months.  He was an only child, and in spite of his tough as nails exterior, he had a soft spot for his mother.  She had made a lot of sacrifices for him.  His dad had died when he was young and she had raised him as a single mother.  He owed her a lot and tried to respect her sacrifices by becoming the best man he could be.  He had big shoes to fill.  His father had been a great man.  Tommy constantly strove to become better.  Maybe one day someone would think that he had been a great man as well.

“You’re all crazy,” Raul said.  “The classics are the best.  I’m gonn’a get me a ’78 Monte Carlo and trick it out.  Picture it man, lime green, full chrome rims, at least 32’s, and full hydraulics, a true hopper.”  He crossed his arms and sat back with a smug look on his face.  When none of the guys showed any reaction he quickly sat forward in his chair again and put his hands on his knees.  “You’ve got to be kidding me guys.  You don’t know what a hopper is?”  He held out his hand palm down and bounced it up and down, small at first then bigger and bigger bounces.  “Sweet right?” he asked as he leaned back again. 

Raul was from New York and had joined the infantry.  He had joined to be in the infantry.  He wanted to go out and make a difference.  Once he was in the Army he decided he liked the camaraderie and worked hard to become better.  He graduated all of his courses at or near the top of the class.  When he was done with his initial training he applied himself and completed his G. E. D..  He found that he actually liked to learn.  This was different than when he was in school back at home.  He decided to try some college classes.  He finished his Bachelors degree in three years and was working on his Masters in adverse psychology.  Along the way he also completed Army Sniper training.  He had a real knack for observing and analyzing.  He was also really good at taking action when it was the right time.

Bill just sat back and listened.  He usually was the quiet one of the group.  These were his friends and he knew he was damn lucky to have them.  It was kind of funny that two years ago they hadn’t known each other.  They had come from all different walks of life.  Each man had decided to join the Army for his own reasons.  At the core of it each man was looking for the same thing.  Each of them wanted to become better than what they were.  Over the past two years they had become as close as any brothers.  Being in battle together does that.  Especially when they had saved each other’s lives too many times to count.

Bill watched the tranquil scene of normal life play out in the park across the street.  His attention was focused on a crow.  It was working on a crust of bread.  It would attack the prize a few times then raise its head, darting it from side to side to make sure his perimeter was clear.  The crow was cautious.  He made sure his prize was still safely his.  Satisfied, it returned its attention back to the bread, stabbing its beak into the crusty morsel.  Suddenly, it dropped the meal and launched up into the air.  The unmistakable crack of a gunshot shattered the tranquility.

Instinct and experience guided Bill’s eyes over his left shoulder.  Jumping out of his chair, he pivoted his body around, eyes searching for the aggressor.  He was kneeling on his right knee when his eyes locked on their target.  His right hand clasped the grip of his Sig Sauer SP 2022 Nitron which was still firmly in the holster.  His left arm, now clear of the seatback was coming around for a two hand grip.  Seeing a confirmed threat, he cleared leather and brought his weapon to bear.

A man was in the middle of the two lane road, standing over a woman. She was down on her knees and gesturing her hands fiercely.  Bill couldn’t make out the words they were saying from this distance, but it was obvious he wasn’t asking her out on a date.  The man was holding the stock of what looked like an AK 47 with his right hand, waving it around menacingly, while shouting at the woman.  His long, stringy, brown hair flying around his head.   He punctuated his agitation by thrusting the gun up and down.

The woman raised up off of her heals and said something to him.  Whatever it was caught his attention.  He stepped closer to her and bent his thin frame down to her again. 
She shrank back from his leering face.  Whatever it was she said next, he must have found amusing.  He tossed his head back and laughed, then started dancing around her.  He was doing a kind of high step, pumping the rifle up and down.  He was really getting it too.  His knees were pumping up and down.  Once he was back in front of her he stopped dancing, threw his head back, and howled like a wolf.  In a fluid movement he snugged the butt of the gun up to his shoulder and sighted in on the woman.  The black barrel ended inches from her upturned face.  Her jet black hair blew back from her face in the gentle breeze.  It and the angle she was facing prevented Bill from seeing her face. 
Bill admired the way she faced the man that was about to take her life.  She looked proud and strong.  Even if she was seconds from meeting her maker she wasn’t going to cower.  He instantly respected her for that.

Bill was increasing the pressure of his trigger finger.  Seeing the man tense his shoulder and bring his right elbow out to the side triggered him to engage fully.  A split second before applying the final amount of pressure, the dancer jerk to the right.  The guy continued to fall in what seemed like slow motion.  Bill knew better.  This was what he called battle speed.  As the man fell, bullets sprayed out from the barrel of the AK47 in a deadly arc.  In this case, it was good that the AK 47 shot up to six hundred rounds-per-minute. It quickly ran out of ammo before anyone was hurt by this madman.  With the guy out of the fight Bill scanned for other threats.  Seeing none he did a quick check on his friends.  Sam and Raul were both covering down on the baddie.

Bill kept his weapon trained on the inert form in the road from his kneeling position.  He cut his eyes over to Tommy and Sebastian and saw they were taking cover behind the decorative fence that separated the café from the sidewalk.  He could see they were at a loss.  They were so used to being in uniform and reacting as they were trained to do.  When their finely honed reactions came up with a missing weapon they were at a loss for a beat.  This wasn’t Iraq or Afghanistan.  It was Texas, and yet war had found them here. 

Bill kept his weapon pointed at the bad guy as he ran over to the woman.  She was still on her knees in the middle of the road.  The bad guy hadn’t moved since he had hit the pavement.  As Bill got closer he could see why.  A pool of blood was spreading out from his head and a small puddle was congealing under his torso as well.  Bill wasn’t taking any chances.  He had seen men get up from wounds that should’ve killed them outright before.

He slowly circled the body, keeping his eyes on the man’s hands.  If they so much as twitched Bill would drop the hammer.  His finger skillfully had 3 of the 7 pounds of pressure squeezing the match grade trigger.  It would only take a small fraction more to dispatch the man if needed.  He kicked the rifle away from the corpse and then looked at the woman.  She was staring at the body.  He couldn’t see her face from his angle.  Her black hair was loose and partially covered it.  He could see that she was shivering in spite of the warm air.

A crowd was beginning to form.  Sam and Raul were still training their weapons around, searching for any more potential threats.  Sebastian and Tommy were keeping the small crowd that was forming back, forming a loose perimeter defense.  They were doing their best to keep the look-e-loos away from the scene.  Of course in this modern day most of the people had their phones out, trying to catch it all on video.  It would be up on social media before the authorities had a chance to arrive on the scene.

“Are you okay ma’am?”

She raised her obsidian eyes up to his and said in a calm voice, “I think so.”

“Are you hurt?” Bill asked her.

“No, . . . I don’t think so,” she replied shaking her head slowly.

“Are there any more of them?”  He asked as he cast his eyes around. 

“I don’t know,” answered the woman.  “I don’t know who he is.”

She looked down at her lap and her body sagged down.  The steel that had held her up seemed to leave her. “He was really going to kill me,” she murmured.

They both knew she had spoken the truth.  Bill didn’t see any need to say anything further on that point.

“What’s your name ma’am?”  Bill asked her in a gentle tone as he reached out his hand to help her up.

She took it and let him help her to her feet.  Once she was sure she wasn’t going to fall back down, she squeezed his hand a little and responded; “My name is Isabella, thank you.”  She said looking him in the eye.

“You’re welcome,” he replied simply.

There was something about this woman, something more than her beauty.  There was a feeling of strength that radiated from her.  He tore his gaze from her beautiful eyes and looked around at the scene developing around them.


More people had gathered on the sidewalks on both sides of the street.  Traffic was at a standstill.  Cars were lined up with their doors standing open.  Their drivers had abandoned them to get a better look at the aftermath of the violence that had played out in their small town.  Small children were standing with their parents.  Some parents were trying to cover their children’s eyes but the curious little ones weren’t having it.  Bill wished he could cover the body up.  Not to give the man his dignity but to lessen the macabre interest that had overtaken these people.  He knew better though.  He knew the police were going to conduct an investigation.  Back here that meant collecting forensic evidence.  Almost as if on cue the shrill notes of a siren cut through the still morning air.  All together less than three minutes had passed since the first shot had been fired and the discordant wail sounded the arrival of law and order.


Okay, so there it is.  That's the first chapter.  Please take a minute while the experience is fresh and leave a comment of what you thought of it.

Thank you,

TL Scott

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Update for Faultline 13 July

Hello Again,

So the latest and the greatest is that the first draft is done.  Now begins the real work for any great story and that is the revision.  It is sincerely my desire to make this the best story it can be.  To that end I am extending an offer to you, my faithful reader.  I need feedback on this story.  If you would be willing to provide honest and useful feedback to improve the story I need beta readers.  Simply respond to this post and we can talk about the details.

Well I need to get back to the story so let me know if you are interested.

I wish you all the very best.

TL Scott

Sunday, April 24, 2016

Update for Fault Line

Hello faithful followers.

I want to keep you updated on the progress of Fault Line.

Bill and his friends have united with some outside forces to battle the gang.  The combined team is converging on a defining battle as the weather worsens.  Isabella and Bella are still missing and their safety is very much in question.

The first draft is coming together and as usual the story has gone in directions I had not foreseen.  These characters are coming into their own.  I cant wait for them to be able to share their story with you.

Stay tuned and I will continue to keep you updated.

All the best,

TL Scott

Saturday, April 16, 2016

TL Scott Update

Hello All,

Things have been very interesting lately.  I have started a new position at my day job and I have also moved into a new home.  To put it simply things have been a bit topsy-turvy.  That is no excuse for not keeping you all updated on what has been going on.  Unfortunately with everything that has been going on there has not been much writing going on.  I am so sorry about that.  My poor soldiers have been slogging across a field in pursuit of the bad guys for far too long.
I am happy to report that I am back at it.  Things at the day job are falling into a rhythm that I understand and I am steadily unpacking boxes and putting things into their place.  One big item that I have put into place this weekend is my desk into the upstairs office. The view outside of the window looks out onto a treeline.  I can see it if I turn my head.  It is not directly in my vision so it is not a constant distraction.  I believe the current layout will be a good one.  Having the right writing environment is very important.  Being comfortable is a big part of getting into that creative zone.

With all of that said I am off to help my soldiers make their assault on the bad guys.  Stay tuned for more updates on Fault Line as the first draft comes to a close.  Thank you for coming along for the ride.

All the best,

TL Scott

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Kirkus Review A Life Worth Living

Hello faithful readers,

I am pleased to let you know that the Kirkus review of A Life Worth Living is out and online.  Check it out here: Kirkus Review A Life Worth 

Please share your thoughts and as always share with those you think would enjoy a good story.

All the best,


TL Scott

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

A Scary Story Update

Hello faithful readers,

First off I want to apologize for not staying in touch more.  Things have been very busy and life has interrupted my routines.  I have moved from Europe back to America and started a job at a new organization.  Things are finally settling into a new and different rhythm and I am happy to report that there are some significant updates I have to share with you.

I have been visiting local public libraries and have met some wonderful people.  I love spreading the word about Scary and her adventures as well as the story of Dave and his family in the novel A Life Worth Living.  A wonderful woman I met at work invited me to attend a showing at a local art gallery.  It was a fantastic opportunity and I met some very interesting people.  While there, my eyes kept returning to one artists work.  She is a wonderful person and just so happens to also do illustrations for children's picture books.  We have met a few times and discussed the Scary story series.  I was very happy when she agreed to collaborate to bring the stories of Scary to life on the page.  I know that in a picture book the illustrations tell at least as much of the story as the written words.  Children relate with the story on all levels and these new illustrations will reveal a richer and more vibrant world.  I truly am excited about this collaboration and can't wait to reveal the updated Scary to you.

I will keep you updated as this continues to develop.

I look forward to talking with you again soon.  If any of you have any questions or would like to talk about any of the stories let me know.

All the best,

TL Scott

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

A Life Worth Living Revised Now Available


Hello Faithful Readers,

I am pleased to announce that the revised version of A Life Worth Living is now available for your reading pleasure on Amazon.

I look forward to hearing your feedback.

I have been hard at work on the upcoming release of Fault Line.  It is the story about a group of Soldiers that are at home on some well deserved leave when they are called upon to do their duty on Main Street USA.

I am planning on a fall release for Fault Line.  I will keep you updated.

Wishing you all the best,

T. L. Scott

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Revised A Life Worth Living Now Available

Hello Faithful reader,

I am pleased to let you know that the revised story A Life Worth Living is now available on Smashwords.  In the next couple of days I will update you on what other outlets you can download it from.

I have also released it to the print publisher.  I will update you when I know when you can order your copy of the paperback.

The changes in the revision tighten the story and resolves some of the gaps that existed in the original story.  I plan on leaving the original up for sale so that those that want to compare the two can do so.  Please provide your feedback and if you think that the story should take yet another direction please let me know.  I dearly care for these characters and can't help but feel that they still have more to say.

I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/508823


All the best,

TL Scott