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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Life Worth Living is now available

Great News!  You can now get your copy of A Life Worth Living.  This is the revised version.


http://www.amazon.com/Life-Worth-Living-T-Scott/dp/1511607963/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1434213956&sr=1-1&keywords=a+life+worth+living+t+l+scott

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

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

A Life Worth Living Preview Chapter One

Hello faithful reader,

I know I have been keeping you waiting for too long.  I am pleased to tell you that the release of the revised A Life Worth Living is almost here.  The digital version should be available for your reading pleasure before the end of the year and the print version soon after that.

Your patience is about to pay off.

In the mean time here is the first chapter.  I look forward to hearing back from you.

All the best,

T. L. Scott

Chapter 1

The light from the computer monitor washed the color from his face.  It was impossible to tell how much the dark circles under his bloodshot eyes were caused by the shadows and how much by fatigue.   The sun had set hours ago.  On a distant level of his consciousness he had registered that fact and stowed it away as not immediately relevant.  His now cold cup of coffee sat close at hand.  It too had been forgotten a long time ago.  This, along with many other things, he was not aware of.  He was so engrossed in his work that all other things had faded into the background for him.  He was scrolling through the numbers with his left hand on the mouse while his right hand, seemingly of its own volition, entered numbers at a furious pace into the adding machine.  The seemingly endless loop of paper which issued forth from it was another testament to how long he had been at this task.

This ability to block out the distractions around him and focus on the task at hand was one of the things that made him so good at his job.  But, as with all things, a balance must be maintained.  Dave was not balanced.  He was focused.

The shrill ring of his desk phone brought him back to the here and now.  He looked up at the clock above his door and was surprised to see how late it was.  Everyone else in the office had already left for the night and here he was, yet again, still working.  He leaned back in his chair rubbing his tired eyes with one hand as his other hand reached for the phone.

“Thompson here.”  He says.

“Do you have any idea what time it is?”  Debbie immediately asks.

“Yes Debbie, I just looked at the clock and I. . .”

“Don’t tell me,” she said cutting him off.  “You lost track of time again right?  You didn’t realize that it’s already past eight?  Sometimes Dave I feel like you prefer spending your time at the office instead of with me!  You know what?”  She pauses and takes a calming breath.  “I don’t even care anymore.”  There is a tiredness in her voice that hadn’t been there until recently.

“Debbie, calm down a minute, I’m in the office working.  It’s not like I’m out at a bar or something.  I’m working hard here!” He said with heat in his voice.

“Dave don’t you get it?  You are still deciding to spend time doing something else than to be here with us.”

“Do you think I like working so many hours?  I want to be home with my feet kicked up watching a movie but instead I’m here wracking my brains.”

“Don’t you dare talk like you are the only one that works around here!  I put in damn long hours too!  The difference is that I at least try to work my schedule around our kids’ big events.  Speaking of which, while you have been wracking your brains Aidan scored the only goal of the game and not only were you not there to see him do it, yet again, you were not even home for dinner so he could share it with you then!”  She told him.

Dave didn’t have anything to say to that and the silence hung heavy over the line.

“Do you want to know what he said about that Dave?  He said I should go easy on you because you were working hard for all of us!  Do you get that Dave?  He was defending you for not being there for him.”  Debbie had dropped her voice and was speaking slowly, enunciating each word.  Dave knew from long experience that she only did it when she was really upset about something, like now, for example.

“Dave, we have a great son and you don’t spend nearly enough time with him and you know it!” she fumed.

“I already put your dinner in the fridge for whenever you decide to come home.”

Dave looked at the phone in his hand for a minute.  “She hung up on me?!!”  He could still hear the click as the line had gone dead.  After a while he just shook his head and put the phone down.  As upset as he was about the conversation he had to admit that everything she told him was true.  They both knew it too.  He leaned back in his leather chair, let out a long and tired breath, and rubbed his eyes.

This conversation had been played out many times in many different ways over the years.  He wanted to be with Aidan, not only because he knew how great he was, but also because he knew that his son deserved better from him.  He really wished that he could get it all done and have the time to spend with Aidan and with his daughter Summer too.  She was as neglected and just as deserving of his time.  Dave knew that she was also pretty awesome in her own right.  He knew that they had been blessed with two great kids.  He was torn.  He worked so hard to provide for his family.  All he really wanted was for them to have the best life possible.  All of these long hours were for them, not for his ego.  All he wanted to do was the right thing.  To be honest though, this problem had only gotten worse over the years.

His eyes focused on the picture on the corner of his desk.  It had been taken how long ago?  Was it possible that three years had already gone by?  Aidan and Summer were on each side of Debbie and they were all making funny faces.  The picture had been taken on the dock behind her parent’s vacation house on the lake.  It had really been a great vacation.  That was the reason it was on the desk.  No matter how bad the day was seeing his family always brought a smile to his face.  It did so this time as well.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the other end of that broken line Debbie was trying to get herself under control.  The kids were up in their rooms so she didn’t think they had heard the heated exchange.  After hanging up the phone she had sagged back against the doorframe in the kitchen and slowly collapsed onto the floor.  She was so tired, mentally and emotionally exhausted.  She was now sitting with her arms wrapped around her knees and her head resting back against the solid wood with her eyes tightly closed.  There was such a weight pushing down on her and she didn’t feel like she had the strength left in her to get back up again.

“Why does he do this?” She asked herself for what seemed like the thousandth time.  She didn’t really believe that he was cheating on her.  But that was what it felt like.  He was choosing to spend his time at work instead of home with her.  The job was his mistress and she was damn tired of it.  A tear leaked out from her closed eyelids.  She angrily wiped it away and took a couple of deep breaths before forcing herself to stand up again.  Hearing footsteps on the stairs Debbie picked herself up off the floor.

“Hi Mom,” said Summer as she walked to the fridge.

“No ice cream at this time of night young lady.  You know the rules.”  Debbie said without turning around.  She was surprised how normal her voice sounded.  Inside she felt like everything was coming a part.  She was sure her hands were shaking.  It was a good thing that she had them busy rinsing off the dinner plates before putting them into the dishwasher.

“I know Mom.  I’m just getting a glass of milk.”

“Mom, are you okay?”

“Yeah honey, why?  Asked Debbie as she turned to look at her daughter.

“You just looked, I don’t know, mad there for a minute.”

“Everything is okay sweetie.  Is your homework done?  It’s almost time for bed.”  Debbie was reminded just how perceptive her little girl was.  She had been that way since she was very young.

“Yeah, I really just came down to give you a goodnight kiss.”

Debbie finished loading the dishwasher then followed Summer up to her room.  She spent a few minutes talking with her before tucking her in for the night.  They had their routine.  She still liked to have the covers tucked in tight on both sides.  Once she was snugly tucked in, almost swaddled, Debbie would kiss her on the forehead, both cheeks, her chin, and then a quick peck on the nose.  Then she would touch her forehead to her daughters and say: “sweet dreams baby girl.”  To that Summer answered: “You too Mom.  Love you.”  By the time Debbie put her hand on the doorknob her little girl was already drifting off.

Debbie knocked on Aidan’s door.  She hoped he was not still playing video games.  He was good about following the rule of homework first but not so good about stopping his game to go to bed on time.

After she was done following the same routine with Aidan, Debbie made the long walk down the hall to settle into her bed.  It was times like this that she felt so terribly lonely.  She hated going to bed alone.  She had spent enough nights alone when Dave was in the Navy.  That was different though.  He was away from her for a good reason.  He was serving his country.  Even though she hated being alone then, she understood why.  Lately her well of understanding was running dry.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the office Dave was still working away.  He looked over the spreadsheet that had held his attention for the better part of the last twelve hours and wondered, yet again, where things had gone so wrong.

The economy could not account for the negative yield by itself.  What was behind the dip?  He truly hoped the trend he felt that he was onto was not true.  Something did not add up and when that had happened in the past it was because someone had tried to cover something up.  He really hoped that was not the case here.

Bob had been with the company for as long as he had.  He knew his family.  The kids had played Frisbee together at the company picnic last year.

Dave hoped there were other reasons for the disparities he was seeing.   Oh well, that was a knot to keep worrying at tomorrow.  He put all of the pages back into the file.  The Styrofoam container that held the remnants of his meatball sub he picked up and put into the trash can.  He took a minute and looked around his office to make sure that he wasn’t forgetting anything.  As he closed the filing cabinet and locked it for the night he went through the routine of closing his office for the night.

Fortunately at this hour traffic was light and he pulled into the garage in less than 20 minutes.  He quietly let himself in as the digital clock on the oven changed to 11:27.  “Damn, I didn’t think it was that late.” He said to himself as he put his keys on the hook by the door.

He didn’t have an appetite for leftovers and decided to quietly make his way up to bed.  Before he reached the stairs he noticed the pillow and blanket on the couch.  He just stood there staring at them for a minute.  The message could not have been any clearer.

A Life Worth Living Revision Update

Hello faithful readers,

Thank you for your patience during this long revision process.  Well the time has finally come.  It is off to the editor for a final scrub.  This revision is a significant change in the story.  I think you will like it.  Please let me know.

I am going to post the first three chapters in different posts for your feedback.  Please let me know what you think.

I will talk with you again soon.

All the best,

TL Scott

Cover Reveal A Life Worth Living revised

Hello all,

The revision is going well and I hope to have it completed soon.  In the mean time here is the new cover for the book.

Please let me know what you think of it.

Have a great day,

TL Scott

Update Revison A Life Worth Living

Hello all,

I want to drop you a line to let you know what is going on with the revision to A Life Worth Living.  In short the more that I dug into revising the story to refine some points the more the characters demanded their own perspectives be heard.  For example one of the major things I noticed was that Debbie did not have much of a voice in the first edition.  She is a major character in this story and yet her character was almost flat.  Well needless to say she was not happy with that.  Summer has also come more to the forefront in the revision.

I am working diligently to get this revision into your hands for your reading pleasure.

I have also decided to go with a new cover for the revision.  I will post it here for your feedback next week.

I look forward to talking with you again soon.

All the best,

TL Scott

A Life Worth Living Revision Update

Hello faithful readers,

I want to apologize to you for taking so long with the update.  Life events have impeded my focus on revising A Life Worth Living.  I appreciate your patience as I work through this difficult time.

The revision is coming along nicely and I believe you will be rewarded for your patience.  I have also worked with the very talented Digital Donna to design a new cover.

Do any of you have any ideas for a part of the story you would like to read more about?  Is there an aspect of your favorite character you would like me to delve into further?  Any feedback on how you think things should be different?

I love to hear feedback so I am opening the floor to you, my faithful readers.

I look forward to hearing from you.

All the best,

TL Scott

TL Scott A Life Worth Living

Hello Faithful readers.  I want to update you on what I am working on.  I have decided after much painful deliberation to undertake a revision of A Life Worth Living.  I am not going to go into what the main revisions will be but rest assured that everything will be directed at making the story flow smoother and faster while developing the characters more.

If you have read the original version I don't want you to feel cheated.  This revision will not take away from that experience for you.  In many ways it will enhance it.

I am also thinking about a different cover for the revision.  Please leave a comment about what you think of the current cover and tell me any changes you would like to see.

Alright it is time that I get back to the revision.

I look forward to talking with you again real soon.

All the best,

TL Scott

Status Update on the upcoming Fiction Novel "Fault Line"

Hello Faithful Readers,

I apologize for there being such a long gap between posts.  I have been busy working on the upcoming release of "Fault Line".  This story takes place in a small Texas town.  A group of soldiers are on leave to attend a wedding when all hell breaks loose on main street.  A crazy man with an assault rifle has a woman on her knees in the middle of the street.  As bullets fly our soldiers jump into action.
Trouble has found this small Texas town.  There is plenty of fault to go around in this small town.  The question is who will stand on the side of right and who will remain on the other side of the line.

Fault Line is a fast paced action adventure novel that will keep you flipping the pages.

Stay tuned in for the release of the first chapter.

All the best,

T L Scott

A Life Worth Living Price Reduction to 0.99

Hello readers, I have decided to reduce the price for A Life Worth Living to 0.99.  I realize that people need to know about the story and the best way to do that is to reduce barriers.  Ok so now that the price barrier has been lifted please enjoy.

www.smashwords.com

www.barnesandnoble.com

www.amazon.com

All the best,

TL Scott

Fiction Writer Multi-Tasking

Hello faithful readers.  I thought that since we are into the swing if NaNoWriMo this post would be appropriate. 

Multi-Tasking is the way to get more done in less time right?  Well in theory anyway.  When it comes to writing one of the quickest ways to ensure you do not reach your goals is to allow yourself to be distracted.  What in theory sounds good is in fact very bad.  Discipline is the only way to fight the urge to do more.  You should not be checking your email.  You should be writing.  You should not be checking your Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, Google+ or any of the myriad other distractions.  These things are important for a writer to do.

Writing requires focus.  It is really as simple as that.  Would you like to read page after page of disjointed prose?  Of course not.  Well to get a cohesive story from that idea on a napkin into a well polished story it takes a very tight focus.

It is true that we all need to do other things with our time.  We need to balance these things so that we can dedicate the time we have set aside to do what we love to do: Write Stories.

So I wish you all the best in staying focused in your writing.

All the best,

TL Scott