Things Old and Forgotten – New Book by Mae Clair

“Hi to everyone. I know we normally have a post today.”
“Why aren’t we today, Lucy?”
“We have a special guest author Mae Clair, and the Boss is using our time to introduce her new book.”
“So we get the week off?”
“I think that’s how it works.”
“You really should look into the camera.”
“I thought I was. Oh well, here’s the Boss.”

I am so pleased to have Mae Clair on Fiction Favorites today. Mae and I are teammates on Story Empire, and I have known Mae almost as long as I have been blogging. She is a very talented writer and has composed a set of short fiction stories for your enjoyment. Here is Mae to explain her latest.

Hi, John. Thanks for hosting me today and allowing me to share my newest release with your readers. Things Old and Forgotten is a collection of short fiction that includes stories in several genres—magical realism, fantasy, speculative, even two that touch on mild horror.

As a fan of legend, I’ve always loved tales of chivalry. Robin Hood ranks among my favorite of all time. I have a small collection of books and a decent DVD collection devoted to “the hooded man.” Naturally, I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on the myth. Among the stories in Thing Old and Forgotten, you’ll find a very different Sherwood.

Below is a short excerpt from Robin of Sherwood. In this scene, John Lyttle, Marian, and Will Scarlett are in hiding, waiting for Robin to signal he has gained entrance to the Sheriff of Nottingham’s holding cells.

EXCERPT:
“I don’t trust him.” John Lyttle crouched in the darkness with his companions. Across the street, Robin darted for the police station. “He’s only doing this because we have his brother and I took his gun-thing.” As he spoke, his hand fell to the weapon tucked inside his waistband. Smith & Wesson, their captive called it, but the words meant nothing to him. Once, long ago, he’d seen something similar on a moving picture screen that survived the Purge. He knew the weapon was more accurate than a bow, capable of killing from greater distance.

Will grunted. “Reasons don’t matter if it nets us the Perimeter.”

John’s attention shifted to Marian. “You’re quiet.” She was Norman herself, the daughter of a rich lord from a neighboring shire. Disillusioned with that life, she’d joined up with the Saxons a year ago. Her loyalty was unquestionable, but John couldn’t help noticing the way she looked at Huntington.

“People can change.” Her gaze held challenge. “Aren’t I proof of that?”

Chastised, John fell silent. He refocused on the street, scanning for sentries. Across the way, Huntington’s long hair looked ghostly in the darkness. “Damn Norman’s pale as cream.” He scratched his beard. “What’s taking so bloody long?”

Scarlett’s glance was black. “What I’d like to know is where’d he get the key?”

“Where do you think?” Marian’s gaze flashed between them. “He had dinner with the sheriff. A good thief takes advantage of every opportunity.”

“Thief?” John snorted what he thought of the idea. “He’s an aristocrat, woman. If you’d stop making calf-eyes at him, you’d see he’s friggin’ nobility.”

BOOK BLURB:

A man keeping King Arthur’s dream of Camelot alive.
A Robin Hood battling in a drastically different Sherwood.
A young man facing eternity in the desert.
A genteel southern lady besting a powerful order of genies.
A woman meeting her father decades after his death.

These are but a few of the intriguing tales waiting to be discovered in Things Old and Forgotten. Prepare to be transported to realms of folklore and legend, where magic and wonder linger around every corner, and fantastic possibilities are limited only by imagination.

The book sounds excellent, Mae. All the best to you, and I hope everyone gets a copy

Thanks again for hosting me today, John. In honor of my love for autumn—a fantastic time to curl up with a book—Things Old and Forgotten will be on sale for .99c through October 31st.

PURCHASE LINK

US

UK

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter| Goodreads| All Social Media

 


 

91 comments

  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    Thank you for introducing to this great mix of very interesting stories, John! Have a nice new day! xx Michael

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thanks for dropping by to check out the excerpt and the book, Michael. Have a great Day!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      You as well, Michael.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Harmony Kent's avatar

    Great excerpt. I’ve bumped this up my list and start reading it today. I’m so looking forward to it. Best of luck, Mae. Thanks for sharing, John 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Harmony, I am so honored to hear that. I’m grinning ear to ear.
      I hope you enjoy all of the stories in the collection!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Harmony. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

  3. Priscilla Bettis's avatar

    Good snippet. Heh-heh, John Lyttle’s gonna be surprised when he sees that S&W in action. I am in the middle of Things Old & Forgotten, fun collection!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      I had so much fun writing this story, Priscilla. I am a diehard Robin Hood fan, but given the story has been told so many times, I thought it would be fun to switch it up a bit.
      I’m delighted to hear you’re enjoying the stories!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Priscilla. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    Thanks for hosting Mae, Twiggy and Lucy! I enjoyed the excerpt. Congratulations, Mae!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thanks so much, Jill. And I loved getting an intro from Twiggy and Lucy today. What an honor! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jill. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Marie Sinadjan's avatar

    Looks like I’m reading this book at just the right pace as I follow Mae along her tour! It’s been a fantastic read so far and you all should check this out.

    Thanks for hosting her, Twiggy and Lucy. Nice to meet you (and your boss), from a new indie author around these parts 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Marie. Welcome to the indie world. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Marie Sinadjan's avatar

        Thank you, John! I’m happy to be here. Everyone I’ve stumbled into so far have been so welcoming and supportive. 🥰

        Liked by 2 people

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          So glad, Marie. 😊

          Liked by 1 person

    2. Mae Clair's avatar

      Great to see you following along on the tour, Marie! And I’m delighted you’re getting to meet and know so many authors in the indie community. They’re all wonderful and we’re delighted to have you join us.

      Many thanks for supporting the tour, and for the great comment about my book! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  6. karenringalls's avatar

    My best to you, Mae. I am looking forward to reading your series of short stories. Thank you for hosting her, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      HI, Karen. Thank you so much for the well wishes and for visiting me today. I’m delighted you’re looking forward to the stories!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the support, Karen. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Joan Hall's avatar

    Great excerpt, Mae. I’m reading your collection of stories now. Thanks for hosting today, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thank you so much, Joan! That is wonderful to hear! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Joan.

      Liked by 2 people

  8. coldhandboyack's avatar

    I’m picking my way through the book right now. It’s wonderful.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Awesome! I’m glad I’m keeping you entertained, Craig. Thanks so much!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Good to hear, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

  9. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    All the best to Mae for her new book! I’m pleased to see short stories getting some love.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thank you, Liz. I’ve had short stories in various anthologies before, but this is the first time I’ve done my own collection. It was fun writing in the short form!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, Mae. I think short stories get short shrift in the marketplace (unfairly).

        Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes it is a good thing, Liz. Thank you.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 2 people

  10. GP's avatar

    Here’s wishing Mae all the best with her book. It certainly sounds compelling.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thanks so much, GP. I appreciate those well wishes!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      It does doesn’t it? At 99¢it is a steal. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 2 people

  11. Unknown's avatar

    […] Things Old and Forgotten – New Book by Mae Clair […]

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Charles. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Darlene's avatar

    Sounds great, Mae. It is now on my Kindle. Thanks for bringing this book to our attention, John. And thank you Twiggy and Lucy for giving Mae your spot.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Yay! I’m honored to know Things Old and Forgotten resides on your Kindle, Darlene. Thank you so much for the purchase, and I hope you enjoy all of the tales!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Darlene's avatar

        I´m sure I will. You got me at Robin Hood and King Arthur. Two of my all time favourite guys!!

        Liked by 2 people

        1. Mae Clair's avatar

          Mine too, Darlene! I wish you happy reading, and thank you again!

          Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for your suport, Darlene. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  13. Mae Clair's avatar

    John, thanks so much for hosting me today. I’m delighted that Twiggy and Lucy rolled out the red carpet for me. I just love those two!
    Thank you for the kind words as well. It’s wonderful to be here on Fiction Favorites!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Always a pleasure, Mae. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Gwen M. Plano's avatar
    Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Congratulations, Mae. I’m enjoying your collection very much. It’s my evening treat. Thank you, John, for showcasing Mae with the pups’ special welcome. How perfect!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the support, Gwen. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Mae Clair's avatar

      That’s fantastic to hear, Gwen. I’m glad to hear the stories are helping you wind down the evenings. And I was ecstatic to get an intro from Lucy and Twiggy….John, too, LOL!

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Teri Polen's avatar

    I snorted out loud when I read “calf eyes”, lol. I also love a good Robin Hood tale and I sure like the sound of this one, Mae. Great closeup of the girls, John – hope they enjoy their day off!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Teri. I’m sure they will enjoy their day off. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Mae Clair's avatar

      Heehee. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Teri. This one was exceptionally fun to write! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  16. Staci Troilo's avatar

    This is a fabulous collection. I loved the Robin Hood story. It was one of my favorites (though it’s hard to pick just one). Congratulations to Mae. Thanks for hosting, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the support, Staci. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thanks so much, Staci. I was pretty fond of this one myself. It was fun to write.
      Thanks for the wonderful comment and support!

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Author Jan Sikes's avatar

    Having just finished this book, I can say it is an adventure! Each chapter is different and eclectic but all with the same thread of Mae’s distinctive style of writing throughout. Thank you for hosting today, and congrats, Mae, on another winner!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for the support, Jan. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Mae Clair's avatar

      What a lovely comment, Jan. Thank you so much. That really warms my heart! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  18. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Lucy and Twiggy are getting so worldly. Maybe they should become the Siskel and Ebert of book reviews. They can start with Mae’s book.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      LOL! I’d be honored by that, Pete. After all, Lucy and Twiggy are stars! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hahaha. Thanks, Pete. I might have to teach them to read. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  19. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Another great excerpt. I read this one last night and loved the fresh take on Robin Hood 🙂 Thanks for hosting, John!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      I’m so glad to hear that, Denise. I really had fun with the Robin Hood story. I’m delighted you enjoyed it!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Denise.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Lauren Scott, Author's avatar

    Lucy and Twiggy did a perfect job, and Congrats to Mae. The excerpt was great and her book sounds like a wonderful adventure. Thanks for hosting, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thanks so much for checking out the excerpt and visiting! I’m glad you dropped by! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

    2. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Lauren. I’m looking forward to it for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Dan Antion's avatar

    The book does sound excellent, John, Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      My pleasure , Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Sue Coletta's avatar

    Adorable intro, John. I’m really enjoying these excerpts, Mae!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Sue

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Jacqui Murray's avatar

    Big paws to fill, replacing those two! But you’re up to it! I can’t wait to read my copy of your book.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Jacqui. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  24. circadianreflections's avatar

    The girls did make a great intro, and they’re so cute.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Mae Clair's avatar

      I loved having the girls do the intro. They’re adorable!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Natalie Ducey's avatar

    So wonderful to see you here, Mae! Many thanks for sharing the love, John. Cheers to you both! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Natalie.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Mae Clair's avatar

      Thanks for the cheers and for visiting, Natalie! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  26. Marcia Meara's avatar

    I don’t know how I managed to miss this yesterday, but I’m glad I saw it tonight. GREAT post you two, and Mae, you keep right on rockin’ this book tour! I’m here to tell ya, it’s a fantastic read, and I hope everyone checks it out. They won’t be sorry! 😀 ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for supporting Mae, Marcia.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. robertawrites235681907's avatar

    Hi John, It’s great to see Mae featured here. I am looking forward to reading this new book of hers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the support, Robbie,

      Like

  28. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    I flew through this book, John. A wonderful stop on the tour, Mae, and an excerpt from one of my favorite stories (my favorites added up to half of the collection). I loved the variety and creativity. Congrats on another great read.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for adding your support, Diana. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Flossie Benton Rogers's avatar

    Wonderful stories, Mae, and I can’t emphasize enough how much I love the cover. Wishing you mega success with it. Congratulations!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Flossie.😊

      Like

  30. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

    I’m following along your blog tour and reading all the excerpts and love them all, Mae! Thank you for hosting, John. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for supporting Mae, Miriam. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Miriam Hurdle's avatar

        You’re very welcome, John. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  31. markbierman's avatar

    This sounds fantastic! (and I was trying to whittle down my TBR) 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I feel your pain

      Liked by 1 person

  32. markbierman's avatar

    I’m looking forward to this! Thanks for hosting, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for the visit, Mark.

      Liked by 1 person