Anthology Released!

Well today is the big day, the anthology I am a part of has been released into the world.  So, why should you as a Jack Crosby reader want to buy this book?  Excellent question!  Well for starters, as you might know, my story in the anthology is a pirate tale starring some yoyo named Argus Fletcher.  In his adventure, he meets up with some old girl named Roxanne and tragedy ensues.  I'm not going to tell you everything, but for the low low payment of 99 cents, you can find out yourself!


The second reason to grab it is I included the first chapter to my next series The Witch Wars.  Book one will be entitled Jacoby's Revenge, so in addition to Roxanne's little tale, you'll get the very first look at the start of the next series.  Our pal Oz will be leading the charge this time and he's almost as bad as his dad, Derrick.


So do I have you intrigued?  Okay then.  I guess the final thing for me to do is set you up with the link: https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Sinful-Stories-Morganna-Williams-ebook/dp/B01FWZYU26?


*Quick Update


The Witch Wars: Jacoby's Revenge will be out this fall.  Later this summer I plan to upload chapters 2 and 3 here, so be on the lookout.  I'm sure I'll have a cover reveal at some point too.  Well until next time,


-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Future of the Grimm's Reapers series

My popular One Star Theatre will be back next week as I'm in Seattle on assignment.  This week I wanted to talk about the future books coming for the Grimm's Reapers characters.  If you haven't finished the series yet, you should probably do so before continuing on.


So I'm sure you'll all be glad to hear that I am going to do a short story based on Roxanne's history.  It's going to be part of an anthology I'm writing with fellow authors Jeremy Croston, Jeff Trelewicz, and Morganna Williams.  The whole premise will once again throw real history under the bus as she cusses and sleeps her way to the end.


A second anthology will be coming out sometime this summer, but it'll be all my own stories.  There will be four of them to be exact, introducing us to the main characters to the new series starring Oz Grimm, The Witch Wars.  I'm not going to give away much here, except the names of the characters:


The Human - Caspian Zane
The Witch - Cassandra Zane
The Angel - Jessie Torres
The Demon - Oz Grimm


Each one will have their own little 10-12K story that gives the background on them.  Stay tuned for that, like I said this summer.  Well, I need to get cleaned up and go make some bacon.  See you all next week when the Review Samurai finds another troll that needs beheaded,


-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Feast or Famine Q & A

Dudes and dudettes, you sent me a lot of questions this time around.  I ended up sorting through what I had on Monday night for my top 5 and answering them last night so I could get them up today.  Real quick, there are a lot of spoilers coming, so if you haven't finished this book in the series, I would recommend coming back when you did.  Now on to your questions.


Q1 - Sabrina is one powerful and evil girl.  How do you see her playing out in the last book?


A1 - I don't want to give a lot away, but she maintains her hatred for her mother all the way through.  That hate, because of Roxanne's betrayal to Beelzebub defines her really.  The fun thing is when you see how she treats Jacoby, it'll go a long way in defining her character.


Q2 - This was by far your best writing effort to date.  As an author, what do you do to keep improving your writing?


A2 - With Death Among Us, I tried to do everything myself.  It was my first effort and I didn't want anyone to help me because I didn't want to lose the integrity of the story.  I learned that's not a good thing.  In Old War Stories, I had Jeff and Jeremy help me a lot plus I got a few Beta readers.  Getting Sarah, my English teacher turned editor friend on board was a big boon too.  Then with Feast or Famine, I took everything I learned from my first two attempts and really fine tuned them.  I'm sure there are still issues here and there, but I hope it reads smoothly.


Q3 - You dirty son of a gun, you brought Roxanne back into the fold.  Was that because of peer pressure or was that always the plan?


A3 - Roxanne is my favorite character bar none.  The journey she goes on from the start of the series to the finish is one that has a lot of bumps in it.  I wanted her character to be the one that experienced the most growth, yet also got the most emotional connection from readers.  I know her "death" in Old War Stories pissed a lot of people off, but that's good.  I did my job as a writer by creating a character people love.


Q4 - Will we see more Lucifer?  The scenes with Derrick dealing with him were awesome.


A4 - Minor spoiler here - his role in the story is just about finished.  He does come back in Divide and Conquest briefly, but it's not a huge role.  As you'll see, he's going to have a lot of other problems going on.


Q5 - I'm going to ask it but I don't expect an answer.  Oz and Jacoby, there going to be the focus moving forward right?


A5 - A lot of people wanted to know about the step brothers and their roles.  As you know, Oz is with Derrick and Roxanne while Jacoby grew up with Sabrina.  Their different upbringings will play a huge focus in their individual stories, but as the end of the day, Grimm's Reapers is about Derrick Grimm.  That said, what the future holds after this series, well that can be up for debate.


Thanks for everyone and their curiosity.  Divide and conquest is out now, so feel free to grab the last book in the series and see what the future is going to hold.


-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Old War Stories Q & A (with an updated Divide and Conquest cover art)

So you guys really liked my question and answer segment on Death Among Us.  When I got home last night from a pretty awesome trip to Tampa, I noticed all the questions in my inbox.  So I'll postpone my blog taking in the local Tampa fun places to go so I can get to these.


First, MAJOR SPOILERS will be revealed in this post.  If you haven't read Old War Stories, I suggest coming back afterwards to join in the conversation.  Second, I've received a few Feast or Famine questions and I'll hit those up next week.  So with that out of the way, let the questions begin.


Q1 - The second story has a much more serious tone to it than the first.  Why did you go in that direction?


A1 - I wanted to give Derrick a little more depth to his character.  He's Death after all and yeah he's a goofy pervert, but he's also got a very serious job to do.  Sometimes that job is hard and isn't something to take lightly.  All and all, I was happy with a bit more character building, which will lead nicely into Feast or Famine.


Q2 - Vlad the Impaler was such a cool side story to throw in.  Is there any way you might write a book about that adventure?


A2 - I won't write a book about it, but I definitely might write a short story and post it somewhere for free.  That's a really good idea.  I think later this year I'm going to do that, maybe like a Halloween special?


Q3 - Sabrina the witch is bad ass.  Is it true you named her after a fan?


A3 - I sure did.  Sabrina won a contest I held last year and she was really pleased with the character I dreamed up.  If you liked her in Old War Stories, you'll love her going forward.


Q4 - Derrick's not supposed to dump Roxanne for Astrid!  Roxanne kicks so much ass!


A4 - Even though this technically isn't a question, a lot of people were a bit confused.  Again, this volume was about revealing Derrick's character and his lack of commitment comes into play.  For him, the grass is always greener elsewhere.  He saw Astrid and in her something new.  Trust me, this choice will come back to haunt him later.


Q5 - Going forward, will we get to know each Horseman a little better?


A5 - If you couldn't tell, the titles reveal which Horseman will be instrumental to the story.  Death obviously stole the show in round 1 and War was very important in round 2.


Q6 - HOW THE HELL COULD YOU KILL ROXANNE OFF YOU DUMB BASTARD?!?!


A6 - I got a variation of this one in quite a few emails.  Listen, for celestial beings, dying isn't as permanent as it is for humans.  Much like every comic book character not named Uncle Ben, these guys find a way to come back.  In Roxanne's case, Michael took pity of her soul and called in a favor.  What does that mean going forward?  Good question.  The Death Among Us universe works in mysterious ways and just about everybody is fair game...


I hope I got to your question in some way, shape, or form.  I'm so surprised by the passion you guys have for the story and that's so cool.  I appreciate all the questions, well wishes, and curiosity.  Keep them coming as we keep moving forward with the story.


Before I go, real quick, I updated the cover for book 4.  I'm much happier with it and I think you'll all like it too:



-Jack
You can email me at jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Book 4 - It's Happening!

Salutations and greetings.  If you've stopped by that means you're interested in the Grimm's Reapers series, in particular the fourth book.  Well, Derrick Grimm is going to ride again in Divide and Conquest, the grand finale of the series.  Don't be sad, as I'm sure I have something cooked up to do after I complete Derrick's story.


I spent the past few months writing the plot line and synopsis for D&C and I'm really happy with it, so it's on to chapter writing.  I finished Chapter 1 yesterday and plan to write about a chapter a day until it's finished (it is so much easier to write when you have a completed storyboard to go off of, trust me).  When I hit about Chapter 10 - I'll put a rough draft copy of Chapter 1 up on the blog like I always do.


A few people were kind enough to email me with some questions, so I'll take a second to address them.  Number 1 - no, I won't cut back on the sex scenes.  I write to amuse, entertain, and most importantly stick to a style I've developed.  I know it's not everyone's favorite, but it is mine so I'm going to keep dancing with the girl that brought me.


Number 2 - yes, this book will be the last one where Derrick is the main character.  I always planned on having him for a four book run.  I'm not saying we'll never see him again, but his story will be finished at the end of this book.


Before I get back to work, both IT related and writing, I have an early gift for all of you:

-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Preorder and Paperbacks

Well hello hello.  How's everyone doing today?  Me, I'm just nifty.  I'm actually really f'ing excited because today's been huge.  First, after talking to my author buddy Jeremy Croston, I went ahead and put Feast and Famine up for preorder yesterday.  That was a cool feeling, and even cooler was putting up the final manuscript today.  I need to thank my friend Katie (an English teacher) for taking the time to read it over and correct a lot of my mistakes.  I also want to thank Jeremy again for letting me use his funny character interviews from his blog for the book.  One is an interview with Derrick and the other is an interview with Khloros.  I think they bring even more fun to the book.


With the preorder up, I also decided to get the paperback version of Old War Stories up.  I know I really dropped the ball on that, as I was super busy this summer, but for all of you who like actual books, it'll be available tomorrow.  And Feast or Famine is coming to paperback tomorrow too!  I tried my best to keep the prices down, Old War Stories is $5.99 (US) and Feast or Famine is $6.99 (US).


Tomorrow I'm going to post chapter 2 of the upcoming release - which is slated for October 12th.  I don't really know what to expect with a pre-order, but I'd be pumped if one or two of you grabbed it before release.  Anyways, thanks for being some of the coolest readers on the web and I'll be back tomorrow with chapter 2.


-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Old War Stories - Release Details and Chapter 1 Preview

Yesterday's post was short and rambling due to my sleep deprivation.  Late last night, I got the email from Amazon saying that Old War Stories was officially available in the Kindle Bookstore (for both purchase and borrowing).  Here's the link for easy access: Old War Stories - Amazon

 Well, in honor of my second book going live, here is the first chapter of Old War Stories for you to enjoy:

Chapter 1 – A Feline Among Us

The cat looked at me and gave me a weird feline grin.  Its yellow eyes were way too intelligent, like it knew what it was about to do.  And then, “MEOW!!!”

“Roxanne, come get this thing!  It’s making noise and it stinks!”

Walking into the room, “Derrick, it is just a kitten!  Come here precious.”  She reached down and took the thing out of my hands.

“That thing is a terror!  It’s worse than those two Greed demons we put down by the docks.”

In case you’re new here, my name is Derrick Grimm and the good looking lady holding the cat is my sidekick Roxanne.

Getting slapped on the head, “Oww!  What was that for?”  Roxanne’s eyes were flashing red.

“I am far more than just your sidekick!  Don’t you make me sound like some waif who is reliant upon you!

“Wait, how did you know what I was thinking?”

With an evil grin, “I know everything.”  With that, she took the feline terror and walked back to the kitchen.

Where was I?  Oh yeah, I’m Derrick and that was my business partner, girlfriend, and all around awesome lady Roxanne.

“That is much better!”  Good lord, I need to be careful around her.

Anyways, the two of us run this little private eye agency in south Philly called Death Among Us.  We handle very sensitive cases if you catch my drift.  We’re also a lot more than what we seem, which is a nice way of saying we aren’t human.  Don’t worry, neither was the cat I was just holding.  No, that thing was a lot more than just some poor stray.

“Have you gotten to the part where you told the people I’m a sex demon and you’re the Horseman Death?”

“No I haven’t and you just ruined it for me!  C’mon, why do you always do this to me?”

There was no answer.  That figures, she takes the thunder and leaves me with the small details.  Well, she’s right.  I’m the Horseman Death, brother of War, Conquest, and Famine.  Those three hang out in Eden, the Garden of Eternity while I slum it up on Earth.  As for Roxanne, she is a Lust demon (a succubus if you will) and the daughter of the most dangerous one, Lilith.

So, how did we get paired up?  A very interesting question with an equally interesting answer.  Well she tricked the shit out of me to take care of her former boss, and lover, Beelzebub.  In the process, I was able to tap back into my celestial fire and regained a bit of my former glory.

So the two of us stuck together after that, settling in Philadelphia and opening this little agency.  So far, most of our clients were humans who’d dabbled in something they shouldn’t have and brought a demon over.  Those were the easy jobs that paid well too.

Unfortunately with our current case, it seemed something a bit more was happening.  I guess we should take this story from the top.

**Two Days Earlier**

“AHHHHH FUCK ME!!!!”

Good night she was loud, but it’d been a few days and Roxanne was horny.  I hadn’t even made it to the bedroom before she jumped me.  Not that I’m complaining, trust me.

The Lust demon was mounted on me, my pants still halfway on, and giving into her inner desires.  “Impale me with your scythe!  Ughhhh!!!”

She was a bit campy when she got into this state, but I was too caught up in the actual physical acts to care.  It had been a few days for me too after all and I was enjoying the extra special care I was receiving.  The best part is when she was totally gone like this, she did most of the work.  Granted in a few hours or so, I’d be expected to pay back, but que sara.

She ripped my shirt away and grabbed my shoulders for leverage.  It happened before I could do a damn thing about it.  She tightened up around me and a few extra gyrations for my benefit.  She looked me directly in the eye, “FILL ME NOW!!!”

That always does it.  I don’t know about you, but when a hot girl commands me to do something, I tend to go along with it.  I finished up well before her, but she kept working and coaxed out another, smaller, orgasm from me.

When she finished, she collapsed on the floor beside me, the sex minx gone, replaced by the sweet Angel-Friend that the Arch-Angel Michael had bestowed her as.  “Phew, I needed that!  You shouldn’t keep me waiting lover boy!”

I was insulted.  “Umm, you were the one saying I needed to take on more clients.  I do believe you told me the rent doesn’t pay itself.”

She poked me on the nose.  “You’re so cute when you’re riled up.  Oh yeah!”  She jumped up and hiked her skirt back up, “Veronica called and is on her way over.”

“Roxanne, you’re killing me, you know that?”

She just winked and scattered off to get ready for our visitor.  Veronica was an angel and a particularly cool one in my book.  She got me out of a bad contract I once signed with a traitor named Yuri.

I too got myself presentable and went out to the front office area of our apartment/agency.  We got a great deal on the office front and the one bedroom pad right behind it.  And by ‘we,’ I mean Roxanne.  She charmed the pants off the landlord, literally.  It was quite the embarrassing scene, especially in front of his wife.

“Hey, you made dinner?”  I walked in to the kitchen full of wonderful smells.  Tonight it seemed meatloaf was on the menu.

“Of course, I thought it would be rude to not invite her to dine with us.”  She bent over and popped open the oven.  In one swift motion, she pulled out a perfectly cooked meal.  “Stop gawking at my ass and set the table.”

“Yes dear.”  Caught again!  None-the-less she wasn’t wearing any underwear and my curious nature was rewarded.  Doing as I was told though, I got three places settings in order just as the office door bell rung.  Our guest was here.

“Roxy, Derrick, you two back there?”

“Yeah, we’re in the kitchen!  Roxanne made you dinner.”

It only took a few moments, but a beautiful blonde Angel walked in.  Just like every other time I’ve seen her, she was dressed in a business suit and had a brief case with her.  She smiled as she walked in.  “Roxy, you did not have to go to the trouble.”

“It was nothing, besides what you don’t eat, the garbage disposal,” she pointed at me, “will take care of.”

The three of us gathered around the table.  To no one’s great surprise, I put away quite a few pieces of meatloaf, plus two baked potatoes.  Neither of the girls ate that much, which gave them ample time to talk about way the angel was here.

“I have recently received a disturbing request in this area.  I know the agreement is no longer in place, but I thought I might try to bring you in on this one Derrick, if you are up for it.”

My mouth was full, so Roxanne answered on behalf of both of us.  “For you, we will do anything.  Tell us more about this request darling.”

She grabbed her briefcase and pulled out a file.  “A few nights ago, an anomaly was reported, a minor spirirt was abducted from its home.  A local coven of witches somehow got their hands on it and are up to something.  Intel suggests they might be trying to call an Arch-Demon.”

Well that didn’t sound good.  “How long ago did this happen?  And what type of minor spirit are we dealing with?”

“We are not sure when the abduction took place or how it all ended up here.  As for the spirit itself, right now that is going to stay classified.”  She looked at us, and something struck me as odd.  “At first we were tempted to handle this on our own, but after a meeting with Michael, it was decided to reach out to you.”

Ignoring my hunch something was off for the time being, “Hmm… where do we start our investigation?”

She handed me the report to read while she talked.  “Down by the docks of the Delaware River.  If possible, would you be able to go down there tonight and see if we missed anything?”

Roxanne smiled and knocked my fork out of my hand.  “You can eat later, we’ve got a job!”

 “But I’m still hungry…”

-Jack

jack.crosby25@gmail.com 

Old War Stories is Published!

After so much time and effort, Old War Stories is uploaded and being published on Amazon as we speak! A special thanks to my friend Elle who came over and powered through a 48 hour reading marathon with me to work out all the kinks and catch as many typos as possible. I'm incredibly stoked with how the story came together.

It's a bit more dark than Death Among Us, but I promise it has the same bad puns, terrible jokes, and sex filled scenes that so many of you loved the first time around. It also clocked in at about two thousand words longer than the original, so I'm happy about that as well. I'm fried to be honest. I go by back to work next week and I really wanted to get this done before I hit the road. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

I know this is short, but I'm exhausted. I'm calling it a night (well day) and hitting the sack. I'll be back either later tonight or tomorrow and I'll post the redone first chapter. Before I fall asleep, again thanks to all you awesome guys and gals who shared with me your enjoyement to Death Among Us and Old War Stories is dedicated to you.

-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com

Sequel and Cover Updates

Morning everyone. It's way to early to be up, but I'm still not used to west coast time. My inner clock says its almost nine, but my physical clock says its not even six a.m. Most mornings lately I've been writing a chapter of the next book in the Grimm's Reapers series. Yesterday I put the finishing touches on chapter five so all is going well.

My research into the field of writing tells me that the cover is the most important part. I guess I'm different than some authors where I wanted to have a title to the story and cover finished before I started writing the story. For Death Among Us, I went simple with just a scythe thinking that would best symbolize the book. I was wrong. Since the new cover featuring Roxanne went live a few days ago, sales have picked back up.

When my friend made the Roxanne cover for me, he also gave me a concept for the next cover. Part of me really wants to show everyone, as I think it is totally ass kicking. The other part of me wants to wait a bit and let the anticipation build. I mean books sales are based on creating a buzz and getting people to a fever pitch right?

Screw conventional thinking!!!! Here's the cover!!!!

As you can tell, the stories name is Old War Stories and the cover is featuring Veronica, our friendly neighborhood angel. That's all I'm giving you people, at least for today. Also, tell your friends, I'm sure they'd like to see it too.

-Jack
jack.crosby25@gmail.com