
“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
Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:
Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter| Goodreads| All Social Media
Thank you for introducing to this great mix of very interesting stories, John! Have a nice new day! xx Michael
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Thanks for dropping by to check out the excerpt and the book, Michael. Have a great Day!
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You as well, Michael.
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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 🙂
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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!
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Thank you, Harmony. 😊
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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!
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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!
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Priscilla. 😁
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Thanks for hosting Mae, Twiggy and Lucy! I enjoyed the excerpt. Congratulations, Mae!
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Thanks so much, Jill. And I loved getting an intro from Twiggy and Lucy today. What an honor! 🙂
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Thank you, Jill. 😁
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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 😉
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Marie. Welcome to the indie world. 😁
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Thank you, John! I’m happy to be here. Everyone I’ve stumbled into so far have been so welcoming and supportive. 🥰
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So glad, Marie. 😊
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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! 🙂
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My best to you, Mae. I am looking forward to reading your series of short stories. Thank you for hosting her, John.
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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!
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Thank you for the support, Karen. 😁
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Great excerpt, Mae. I’m reading your collection of stories now. Thanks for hosting today, John!
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Thank you so much, Joan! That is wonderful to hear! 🙂
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Thank you, Joan.
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I’m picking my way through the book right now. It’s wonderful.
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Awesome! I’m glad I’m keeping you entertained, Craig. Thanks so much!
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Good to hear, Craig.
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All the best to Mae for her new book! I’m pleased to see short stories getting some love.
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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!
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You’re welcome, Mae. I think short stories get short shrift in the marketplace (unfairly).
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Yes it is a good thing, Liz. Thank you.
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You’re welcome, John.
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Here’s wishing Mae all the best with her book. It certainly sounds compelling.
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Thanks so much, GP. I appreciate those well wishes!
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It does doesn’t it? At 99¢it is a steal. Thanks, GP.
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[…] Things Old and Forgotten – New Book by Mae Clair […]
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Thank you, Charles. 😁
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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.
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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!
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I´m sure I will. You got me at Robin Hood and King Arthur. Two of my all time favourite guys!!
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Mine too, Darlene! I wish you happy reading, and thank you again!
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Thank you for your suport, Darlene. 😁
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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!
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Always a pleasure, Mae. 😁
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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!
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Thanks for the support, Gwen. 😁
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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!
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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!
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Teri. I’m sure they will enjoy their day off. 😁
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Heehee. Glad you enjoyed the excerpt, Teri. This one was exceptionally fun to write! 🙂
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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.
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Thanks for the support, Staci. 😊
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Thanks so much, Staci. I was pretty fond of this one myself. It was fun to write.
Thanks for the wonderful comment and support!
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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!!
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Thank you for the support, Jan. 😁
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What a lovely comment, Jan. Thank you so much. That really warms my heart! 🙂
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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.
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LOL! I’d be honored by that, Pete. After all, Lucy and Twiggy are stars! 🙂
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Hahaha. Thanks, Pete. I might have to teach them to read. 😁
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Another great excerpt. I read this one last night and loved the fresh take on Robin Hood 🙂 Thanks for hosting, John!
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I’m so glad to hear that, Denise. I really had fun with the Robin Hood story. I’m delighted you enjoyed it!
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Denise.
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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.
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Thanks so much for checking out the excerpt and visiting! I’m glad you dropped by! 🙂
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Thank you, Lauren. I’m looking forward to it for sure.
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The book does sound excellent, John, Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
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My pleasure , Dan
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Adorable intro, John. I’m really enjoying these excerpts, Mae!
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Sue
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Big paws to fill, replacing those two! But you’re up to it! I can’t wait to read my copy of your book.
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Thank you, Jacqui. 😁
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The girls did make a great intro, and they’re so cute.
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I loved having the girls do the intro. They’re adorable!
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😀
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So wonderful to see you here, Mae! Many thanks for sharing the love, John. Cheers to you both! 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie.
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Thanks for the cheers and for visiting, Natalie! 🙂
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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! 😀 ❤
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Thanks for supporting Mae, Marcia.
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Hi John, It’s great to see Mae featured here. I am looking forward to reading this new book of hers.
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Thanks for the support, Robbie,
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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.
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Thanks for adding your support, Diana. 😁
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Wonderful stories, Mae, and I can’t emphasize enough how much I love the cover. Wishing you mega success with it. Congratulations!
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Flossie.😊
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I’m following along your blog tour and reading all the excerpts and love them all, Mae! Thank you for hosting, John. 🙂
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Thank you for supporting Mae, Miriam. 😁
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You’re very welcome, John. 🙂
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This sounds fantastic! (and I was trying to whittle down my TBR) 🙂
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I feel your pain
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I’m looking forward to this! Thanks for hosting, John.
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Thanks for the visit, Mark.
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