Free Books!

Hey everyone, I wanted to alert you to a couple promos I’m participating in where you can get FREE books!

The first is the Summer Speculative Fiction Promo, which I’m hosting. There are over 140 free science-fiction, fantasy, and horror novels to choose from. There are short stories, sample chapters, and full-length novels. Want something new to read? Check it out! Click the image for more info.

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The other promo I’m participating in is the Summer is Coming Fantasy promo. This is all fantasy, all the time! There are a ton of great books available. Find out more by clicking the image.

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That’s it for today. Please check out the promos and share this post so others can learn of the free goodness available. Thanks!

 

New & New-ish Releases On the Way

I’m pretty excited to share that I’ve bundled the Forgotten Chronicles Trilogy into one volume and you can pre-order it for only $2.99.

If you’ve yet to try my young adult sci-fi action/adventure series, there’s no better time to try it out than now. For the cost of one book, you get all three novels in one bundle.

The Forgotten Chronicles: The Complete Trilogy features the books The Selection, Rise of the Forgotten, and The War For Truth and comes out December 15th. If you like fast-paced action set on a human colonized alien world where the natural dangers are almost as bad as the human ones, check out The Forgotten Chronicles and pre-order the trilogy for only $2.99 (after the 15th it goes to $4.99). Click the image or link above and start a new adventure today!

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Several excellent authors I know are in a massive boxed set aiming for a USA Today bestseller status. If that’s not enough to consider their books, just think of the value you get when you buy their collection of over 20 paranormal romance and urban fantasy novels for only .99! Though I’m not normally a reader of paranormal romance, I did pre-order my copy. I know several of the authors and I know they write amazing books, so I figured why not give it a shot? At .99, how could I lose? Even if one of the novels was all that I liked, it was still only .99.

Please consider adding your support by sharing their set or pre-ordering your copy today. It would mean a lot to me to help them out and who knows, you might find a new favorite author to read!

You can get Rite to Reign at all major ebook retailers by clicking the image above or by going here.

 

2017 Year in Reading

Every year in January I revisit the past year in reading and share my books with you. What follows is the list of books and magazines I read in 2017. At a quick glance, I noticed my year was dominated by indie authors (a topic I’d like to revisit in a future post).

I continued to read Daily Science Fiction and Every Day Fiction in 2017, though in all honesty, I don’t read them much anymore. With all the longer work commitments I made, I don’t write short stories. I may on occasion turn back to the short form but I haven’t written any in a while. What that means is my reading tastes have changed. I now read more novels and I think that’s due in part to what I’m writing.

I did get a subscription to Nightmare Magazine, but I’d always lose my place because as new issues were released and I’d download them to my iPad, I couldn’t tell what month they were. So..I ended up not reading as much as I wanted. I still have some catching up to do and most likely won’t renew my subscription because of how far behind I am. It’s well worth the money if you have the time to stay in top of the current issues.

Here is my 2017 reading list.

Magazines

SciFan Magazine, Issue 1

SciFan Magazine, Issue 2

SciFan Magazine, Issue 3

Nightmare Magazine, May 2017 

 

Novels/Short Stories

John Scalzi, The Human Division

Callum Wallace, The Walker

Christa Yelich-Koth, Illusion

Nicole Lutrell, Station 86

Nate Southard, Scavengers

Crystal Lake Publishing, Writers on Writing Omnibus

Joe Chianakas, Nightmares Under the Moonlight

Kevin T. Johns, The Page Turners: Blood

Harriet Darling, The Haunting of Wicker House

Stan Faryna, Francesco Augustine Bernadone

Ryan Holiday, Perennial Seller

Iain Robb Wright, Animal Kingdom

R.J. Batla, Fire Eyes Awakened

Schreyer Ink Publishing, Twilight Madhouse, Vol. 1

Bryan Caron, Year of the Songbird

D.L. Richardson, Poison In the Pond

Greg Alldredge, Lights In the Night

Hellbound Books, The Big Book of Bootleg Horror, Vol.2

Miranda Nading, Eldorado Gold

Michael Bray, Meat

Schreyer Ink Publishing, Twilight Madhouse, Vol.2

Philip K. Dick, Second Variety

Crystal Lake Publishing, Where Nightmares Come From

Derek Murphy, Guerrilla Publishing

Leland Lydecker, Necrotic City

MD Parker, The Ghosts Between

Joanne Van Leerdam, The Silver Feather

Jim Driver, How to Write a Novel the Easy Way Using the Pulp Fiction Method

A.K. Taylor, The Newbie Author’s Survival Guide

Philip K. Dick, The Crystal Crypt

 

Beta Reading

R.J. Batla, Tempus (Beta Reading)

Aaron Hamilton, To Die One Death (Beta Reading)

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Have you read any of these? What did you think? What are some titles I need to add to my 2018 reading list?

Last Free Day

Happy Labor Day everyone!

If you live in the United States, many businesses are closed today in observance of this holiday. I hope you get to enjoy it. Maybe by reading a few good books?

I wanted to remind you about the free ebook deals I’m running which expire today.

You can get all 3 of my books for nothing but you gotta hurry because the free deal ends today.

Grab the books at the links below and feel free to share with others who might enjoy my dark short stories or my young adult scifi novel.

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  (Almost) Average Anthology

 

  Moments of Darkness

 

  The Selection

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Even if you don’t read them right away, get the books while they’re free so when you have some time, they’ll be there ready to go.

Thanks so much for all your support. It’s because of readers like you I get to do what I do.

FREE Weekend!

I want to give back to all those who’ve supported me in the recent Reality Bites Book Awards and pushing me to the win for best “SciFi Author!” What better thing to do than offer something free?

From today Sept. 1st through Monday Sept. 4th, you can grab all three of my books for FREE on Amazon! Grab one or all, but for a short amount of time, they’re all free.

Please get your copies and share so others can enjoy the freebie goodness. Thanks!

The Selection

Moments of Darkness

(Almost) Average Anthology

Dear Reader

Dear Reader,

Hi there! How are ya? Doing good? I hope so.

I’ve got a secret for you.

I love you.

There, I said it. Don’t tell my wife though, she might get jealous. But in all honesty, I love you.

All those hours I’ve spent crafting a story or a novel are spent with you in mind. Did you know that? Did you know when all writers say “I write for myself,” that they’re kinda lying to you? Just a little. I mean we do write what we enjoy but ultimately it’s with you in mind.

I know I know. If we love our craft we should be doing this solely for ourselves. We should do it for the love of doing it. We should expect nothing and be content with the idea that we created something from nothing.

Yeah that’s cool and righteous but really…what’s a writer without a reader?

Without you I’m that guy that always wanted to be a writer. I’d be the person that says “I’ve been working on this story for years. Just waiting to get it right. Or get the time. Or whatever excuse I come up with.” Without the expectation that someone will actually read the darn thing, I’m twisting in the breeze like a sheet out on the line.

But because of you Dear Reader, I can call myself a writer. You’ve taken time out of your busy life to spend it with me. I don’t take that commitment lightly. When you do that–when you share in something so intimate and meaningful to me–you own a part of me. The words you read expose a little bit about me to you.

Not that the story directly reflects what I want to do or wish to do (I mean there are times when time travel sounds pretty cool) however because I created it, what you read is deeply personal to me.

When you share your thoughts about it, when you’re excited to ask me questions about this character or that story line, I’m screaming inside like a junior high cheerleader. I’ve kept your attention and thoughts long enough for you to care. What an amazing feeling!

And then, when you’re through with my work and leave a review, when you dare click a button and type a few words so others might share in your experience–OMG! It’s a feeling unlike any other.

Dear Reader, you are why I can rightly and confidently call myself a writer. Your time with me is never taken for granted. I treasure it like a pirate.

Argh…welcome aboard matey. I appreciate your stay.

Sincerely,

Jason “Black Jack” Nugent

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Psst: Dear Reader, why not check out my newest scifi adventure novel The Selection on Amazon right now? You can even try your hand at winning a free signed paperback copy over on GoodReads. Thanks!

Books 2016

Every year around this time I post a list of all the books I’ve read in the past year. And every year I want to do more.

I’ve continued to read Daily Science Fiction. I can’t get enough of those short, entertaining stories. I tried to keep up with Every Day Fiction as well but they’ve had some serious server problems and are just now getting back to daily stories. There’s also Flash Fiction Online, Nightmare Magazine, and Lightspeed Magazine to name a few of the online ezines I’ll read from time to time. I’ve also picked up hard copies of the Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. None of those are mentioned below.

What follows is my list of novels, ebooks, and short story collections that I’ve read in the past calendar year (in no particular order)

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Mike Wech: Seven X:Seed of Demons

Inklings Press: Tales From the Mist

Inklings Press: Tales From Alternate Earths

Iain Robb Wright: Sea Sick

Bram Stoker: Dracula

John W. Smith: Nightmares of a Madman

Ray Wenck: Random Survival

Philip K. Dick: The Variable Man 

Ben Bova: The Craft of Writing Science Fiction That Sells

Vince Churchill: The Butcher Bride 

Neil Gaiman: The Graveyard Book 

Luke Smitherd: He Waits 

Mark Pannebecker: Fraternity of Fractures 

Mort Castle: On Writing Horror 

Sinister Grin Press: Cut Corners Vol. 1 

Stephen King: Revival

Maria Haskins: Dark Flash 

Mary Shelley: Frankenstein 

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Looking back at what I’ve read, it’s a mix of indie authors and classics as well as a couple books on writing. I’ve discovered I don’t really like “Dracula” as much as I’d hoped. However I did enjoy “Frankenstein” quite a bit. Both are far different than any movie version.

Other than the short story collections from Inklings Press, I think the other stand outs for me were Ian Robb Wright and Maria Haskins. I loved the pace and tone of Wright’s “Sea Sick” and look forward to reading more of his work. Maria Haskins has a written voice that I find engaging. More of her work is certainly on my “to read” list.

None of the books above were bad at all, which was a surprise. Normally there are a few with serious problems or weren’t quite my taste. All of the books I’ve read in the past year are worth your time (and money) to read.

Have you read any of these? Which ones stand out for you? Any books I need to read in 2017? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts and recommendations.

 

Author Promo: Dawn Chapman

Hey everyone! From time to time I’d like to use my blog for good instead of selfish evil. To that end, I’d like to share a free promotion for a fellow author. Dawn Chapman has her book “The Secrete King: Lethao” on sale for the easy to please price of FREE until 5/31/16. Follow the link below to grab your copy now. After reading please leave her an honest review to let her know what you thought. Maybe in a future post we can discuss the book and share it with others.

(Oh, in the spirit of transparency, I am receiving no kick-back or other such nefarious goods from the author for sharing her work!)

Here’s a description of the book:

“Kendro, King of the Aonise, can do nothing to prevent their sun from collapsing, consuming their home planet Letháo in a single fiery blast. Running out of time and options, he evacuates the entire population, setting off into the unknown galaxy in four crowded ships. Under constant danger from their ancient enemy, the Zefron, treasonous dissent seeps into his inner circle. Threatened inside and out, Kendro struggles with whom to trust, until a mysterious vision finally brings hope to the distraught King. A new home awaits the Aonise, if Kendro can only unite them long enough to survive the journey.”

Scalzi to the Rescue

I’ve been in a reading slump lately. I’ve been keeping track of what novels I’ve read the past few years in a file just so I can go back at the end of the year and see where my reading tastes have taken me. This time last year I had 9 novels under my belt and about to tackle Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie. My list so far is lacking. I’ve read 2 books. 2!

I’m in the middle of Stephen King’s Revival and I enjoy the direction of the story so far. Buuut, I can’t seem to really get into it. It’s been tough to get back to. I can’t put my finger on why.

I needed something else to read. I had to get engrossed in a story. So I turned to the only author I can read without it feeling like I’m reading – John Scalzi.

Scalzi has an excellent grasp of the craft. His words flow. I mean they flow! I enjoy horror and fantasy but the scifi Scalzi offers is brilliantly written. I’ve read Old Man’s War, The Ghost Brigades, and The Last Colony from his Old Man’s War series as well as Agent to the Stars and devoured them like a peanut butter covered chocolate bar. His writing is well researched, planned, and delivered.

His style and content isn’t for everyone. I’m not going to hate if you don’t like his writing or his politics. It’s not like I agree with everything he says and I don’t have to in order to appreciate his art. I respect his opinions and desire to share them with his fans. Find him on Twitter if you want an entertaining and informative read.

What I appreciate most is his writing. I can read his books unlike any other author. He’s probably become my favorite author in the past few years and I’ve tried sharing his work with others that would appreciate it.

When I opened Scalzi’s The Human Division the other day, reading felt right again. Before I knew it, I was 60 pages in and eager to continue. I was transported to the universe of green skin and BrainPals. And I loved it! My faith in reading was renewed.

My reading list will probably move faster now. I needed “Scalzi-Therapy” to get back on track.

When your reading gets in a rut, who is your go-to author? Who can you read and immediately be engrossed in their world? Share your favorites below. Maybe we can inspire each other to find new and exciting worlds to explore.

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A few things to share.

I’ll be at the Book House in St. Louis Sat. April 9th for my very first book signing! If you’re in the area please stop by. The event will be from 1-3PM and there will be refreshments. It’s a family friendly event and everyone is welcome.

One of my stories will be on a podcast! One of my original stories from (Almost) Average Anthology was selected for an excellent flash fiction podcast. Watch my blog or my website or Twitter for more details as they come along.

I will be at the Indie Book Fair in St. Louis on May 7th. Come meet me and 50 or so other authors at the main branch of the St. Louis library. I’ll be doing a reading from my book as well.

And finally…I’ve recently added Contamination to my list of events. I will be at the horror/scifi con in St. Louis from June 17th-19th. It will be the largest event for me so far! Follow the blog, check my website, or find me on Twitter to get all the details.

Whew! I think that’s it for now. Lots of stuff going on. I hope you can join me along the way. I appreciate all your support!

2015 in Reading

As the new year gets underway, it’s time to share the books from 2015 that kept me entertained and made me think. The list below contains all the books I read this past year. It’s actually shorter than I planned. I did stay busier writing more than I ever have before which took up a lot of my reading time. I guess that’s a fair trade-off!

Other than the books listed, I’ve also been a devoted reader of Daily Science Fiction and Every Day Fiction. I’ve been looking for a horror version of these daily flash fiction sites but have come up empty so far. If you know of any, please share in the comments below or send me an email. I’d love to add that to my daily reading!

Here are my 2015 books in order of when I read them.

John Scalzi: The Last Colony.
George R.R. Martin: Clash of Kings
Stephen King: The Eyes of the Dragon
Phillip K. Dick: The Defenders
David Farland: Sweetly the Dragon Dreams
Stephen Brophy: The Villain’s Sidekick
Apryl Baker: The Ghost Files
Clive Barker: The Damnation Game
Tracy Stewart: Thriller – The Lake Murders
Ann Leckie: Ancillary Justice
Brandon Sanderson: Firefight
Jennifer Foehner Wells: Fluency
Jack McDevitt: Ancient Shores
J.A. Konrath: Horror Stories
John Scalzi: Agent to the Stars
Dean Koontz: Hideaway
Angie Fox: Southern Spirits
Joel Ansel: Four Dead Ones
K.R. Griffiths: Panic (Wildfire Chronicles Book 1)

Besides the well known authors like Stephen King, Brandon Sanderson, and John Scalzi, I was quite impressed by “Fluency” from Jennifer Foehner Wells. I highly recommend it if you like space dramas with vivid action. Jack McDevitt’s “Ancient Shores” was an excellent, thrilling tale of aliens and Native Americans. And J.A. Konrath…wow! He’s got a twisted side to him for sure! I loved those stories.

My choice of books this past year relied on my mood at the time. I switched from sci-fi to fantasy to horror and back. The only one that doesn’t fit that pattern is “Southern Spirits” by Angie Fox. I was given the book by Angie (it’s signed as well!) so I figured I owed it to her to read it. Though it’s not my type of book (a supernatural cozy mystery) I did enjoy it and was a welcome break from my other reading.

Have you read any of these? What would you suggest for the upcoming year? Leave your suggestions below and we’ll see if we can all broaden our reading in the new year.

Thanks!