This, that, and a little bit of everything
Despite our plans and best intentions, life has a way of dropping in plot twists and cliff-hangers. After twenty years of marriage, I didn’t want a divorce, but it became clear that it was a necessary subplot in my life’s story. Over the past six months, I moved halfway across Iowa, bought a house, moved into that house, filled it with furniture from Facebook marketplace, and went through a very stressful divorce (though I imagine most are). My writing productivity dropped to nil, and I’ve been fortunate to have a very understanding, supportive publisher. During that time, I would’ve loved to have a deus ex machina to clean up all everything all nice and tidy, but it turned out that I had to be a proper writer and work through all the twists of this particular story on my own.
And it’s working out. This isn’t a negative newsletter lamenting my woe. My life is better. Even with dark shadows still lurking in the corners, I feel lighter than I have in ages. My dog and I hike, and my spirit has come alive again. Life is hard and complicated and messy and good.
I reclaimed my maiden name (Recker), but I’ll still write under Aukes as a pen name to not confuse the heck out of my readers. And I am writing again… finally! The words are coming. Not all of them are great words—this book will need a solid second pass, but they’re coming and I’m enjoying the story. The working title of book 1 and the series is Infinity Upgrade, and it’s about a hero who’s got an AI inside him that helps him reach new levels. The story reflects so much of what I’ve been going through—there’s lots of danger and hope, chaos and growth. I think it’s a great story, and I hope you’ll think so, too. I just need to finish it and get it to my publisher!
Until then, I decided to do a Kindle Countdown Deal on my entire Bounty Hunter series. Today, every single book (all 4 books!) in the series is only 99 cents. So grab a copy—or all four—for your kindle.
BOUNTY HUNTER
The revolution ended a decade ago, but the chaos is just getting started. When bounty hunters become the hunted, only one man stands between order and anarchy: “Havoc” Joe Ballast. He’s not a hero—he’s what’s left when the heroes are dead.
Gritty, gun-blazing action for fans of post-apocalyptic westerns and badass lone wolves.
If you’re a Kindle Unlimited reader, I’m considering moving all my backlist “wide” to all ebook retailers this summer, so be sure to read my series like Bounty Hunter, Fringe, and The Deadland Saga now.
One of my buddies just launched a new series yesterday. If you’re a fan of military science fiction, Rick Partlow is the best of the best. Be sure to check out his newest release, Archangel, on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
They should’ve left him in peace… now he’s bringing the war to them.
From Rick Partlow, bestselling author of Drop Trooper, comes a pulse-pounding new military sci-fi series. When retired supercommando Brent Parthet is dragged back into a war he thought was over, he’ll uncover dark truths—and unleash hell.
Fans of explosive action, gritty heroes, and high-stakes battles—lock and load.
Read on Kindle/Kindle Unlimited.
That’s all I’ve got for now. Until next time, happy reading!
Rachel
Hugs, my friend. I am glad you are finding yourself again. Focus on YOU and become the person you want to be. Love yourself and live your life. I wish you all the joy in your new adventures. Darkness dissipates when light is allowed to shine. Shine on, Rachel. 💜
The only way to the sunny side is through.
My dark tunnel took me several years to get through but it is doable.
You are not alone, your furry partner is there with you all the way.
Loving and supporting you.
You got this!