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“On Borrowed Time” Release Date Announced And More News

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Greetings,

As I mentioned last month, this is a revised newsletter. You should receive it (or read it here on my site) each month with periodic emails in between when I have something important to announce.

Without further ado, let’s get into this month’s news…

“On Borrowed Time” Release Date Announced

The next Kyle Simmons book, “On Borrowed Time” is now available on Amazon for pre-order. It will be officially published on June 27th.

I’m offering special pre-launch pricing. Order now and save $1.00 off the regular price for this.

You can order your copy by going here:

“On Borrowed Time” – Amazon USA

“On Borrowed Time” – Amazon UK

“On Borrowed Time” has been in the works for awhile now. For starters, my last author revision took several parts of the plot and expanded them to be more complete and added another plot twist.

The revision wound up adding nearly 16,000 words — good for readers, not so good for me.

While the additional words make this a stronger story, it also means my previously planned deadlines to get the book to my editors and beta readers went out of the proverbial window.

And of couse, that meant the publication date had to be delayed as well.

So long story short, this book is now with beta readers to catch anything plot-related my editors or I might have missed (i.e. how did Simmons get into his car if he didn’t open the car door first.)

My editors and I typically catch 99% of those buggers but every book there’s something that somehow sneaks past us and gets nabbed by my beta readers.

From there, it will go to my Street Team. (If you’re part of my Street Team, you’ll receive a separate update email.)

Needless to say, everyone who helps me get each book ready for publication has been working very hard to get the book ready for publication before month’s end.

I’m proud to say that we’ve accomplished exactly that and on June 27th, “On Borrowed Time” will go live.

Here’s the Amazon links again:

“On Borrowed Time” – Amazon USA

“On Borrowed Time” – Amazon UK

 

Book Recommendations

If you’re looking for something new to read while you’re waiting for “On Borrowed Time” to be released, I might be able to help.

I have two books I’d like to recommend this month.

My first book recommendation is “Hell’s Children” by John L. Monk.

https://www.amazon.com/Hells-Children-Post-Apocalyptic-Survival-Thriller-ebook/dp/B01GDH7ZOC/

A number of reviewers describe it as a modern day “Lord of the Flies” novel and I agree.

While it’s categorized as a Post-Apocalyptic Survival Thriller, you won’t find any undead creatures in this story.

It’s a wonderful story of young adults banding together in the hopes of surviving and rebuilding society.

 

My second book recommendation is “November’s Past” by A.E. Howe.

https://www.amazon.com/Novembers-Past-Larry-Macklin-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B01FC92AKG/

I started this one a few weeks ago but had to put it down in order to really focus on getting “On Borrowed Time” finished.

It may sound silly, but I try to avoid reading anything similar to what I’m currently writing.

Why?

It’s simple really.

I don’t want to inadvertently borrow storyline ideas from another author’s work.

Of course, once my book releases on the 27th, I plan on continuing to enjoy reading the rest of this book because it’s been great.

So What’s E.G. Writing Next?

I’m starting work on a new post-apocalyptic book series which will be 2-3 books in length. The first two books are outlined and I’m currently writing the first book. More details to come in next month’s newsletter.

From there, I’m planning to start work on the second Cole Hutchinson thriller novel.

Until next time,

E.G.

P.S. As I’ve mentioned more than once, most of you have told me you’d prefer I spend my time writing novels than emails. I’m perfectly fine with that but I want to give you a heads-up that you’ll get another email from me in about 2 weeks, reminding everyone when Amazon has officially released “On Borrowed Time”.

Fr*ee Thriller and Mystery Books For You (A.K.A. Freebie Friday)

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Greetings,

It’s E.G. Michaels with a quick update before everyone starts their weekend. I’m sure some of you are wondering why I’m not using a fancier newsletter like I mentioned last time.

Well, there’s a good explanation: The formatted newsletter isn’t not finished yet.

I hate to make excuses but the last week has been crazy busy for me.

With both of my children’s birthdays and Mother’s Day (13th, 14th, and 18th) all falling in the same calendar week, I’ve been far more pressed for time than usual. If it’s a choice between finishing my next book or finishing the future newsletter layout… well, I think I know how most of my readers would vote and I agree with them. <smile>

Speaking of next books… In case you missed my last email with the news of the next Kyle Simmons novel coming out next month and the formation of the E.G. Michaels Street teams, you can read it online here:

May brings news of new book release coming and street team announcement

“Anybody Interested in Some Free Books?”

As an indie author, I’m always on the lookout for ways to attract new readers to my work. I’m not alone in this ongoing marketing effort.

It’s for this reason that I’ve partnered with 33+ other thriller, mystery, and suspense indie authors in a special giveaway event. You can get a fr*ee copy of my book “Before The Clock Strikes” along with some other great reads. I’ve already picked a few that I’m looking forward to reading in the near future myself.

You can see the collection of freebies by going here:

As the banner says, this promotion ends May 24th so you won’t want to delay grabbing some great books while you can for fr*ee.

Here’s the link again: http://bookdeals.today/

That’s all for now. I’m getting back to work on finalizing “On Borrowed Time”.

Have a great weekend everyone,

E.G. Michaels

May brings news of new book release coming and street team announcement

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Greetings ,

It’s E.G. Michaels. Based on reader feedback, I’m retooling my newsletter. You should receive it each month with periodic emails in between when I have something important to announce.

Without further ado, let’s get into this month’s news…

New Email Options Added

In late January, I released a post-apocalyptic novella called “Operation Freedom” which has been extremely well-received. As a result of that release, a number of new subscribers have joined my newsletter and sent me some additional feedback.

It was that feedback which made me realize something pretty important.

While many of my subscribers want to hear about anything I’ve written, some may have very specific reading preferences.

It’s for this reason that I’ve updated the opt-in form on my website to allow subscribers to choose if they want to receive news and updates which are thriller or post-apoc only.

Rest assured I will still send one monthly newsletter to every subscriber. I just want to give my most valued readers the option of not being contacted with any additional updates or news that are for their non-preferred reading genre.

Street Team Announcement

Would you like to get all of my future book releases for free? Well, let me tell you how you can do exactly that.

I’m looking for loyal readers to become part of my street team. As part of my team, you’ll help promote my new release on social media and by posting honest and fair reviews on my book when it officially launches. In return, I’ll give you a fr*ee Kindle or PDF version of the book 1-2 weeks before it officially launches.

It’s 100% free to join.

You can get all of the official details and sign up by going here:

http://egmichaels.com/join-e-g-michaels-street-team-today/

New Kyle Simmons Book Coming!

A good number of people have emailed me and asked if there was going to be a sixth Kyle Simmons thriller novel.

I’m pleased to report that there is.

“On Borrowed Time” is heading to the editor at the end of this week and should be ready for my street team by the end of this month.

It will be available for purchase around June 10th.

Here’s the cover artwork and book description:

A cool night in March. A young couple are murdered in their home while their neighborhood peacefully sleeps. It seems like the perfect crime with nothing but a single word “Tag” written in blood on the wall near one of their bodies.
Philadelphia Homicide Detective Kyle Simmons is tasked with finding their killers but with almost no evidence to work with, he quickly finds himself grasping for clues which might point him towards finding out who the killer might be.
A few days later, another couple is killed. Same perfect crime scene except this time a new phrase, “Tag, You’re It”, has been left on the wall in blood.
As Simmons follows the evidence, he makes to a startling discovery. He’s discovered a deadly game of one-upmanship between two stone cold killers and Philly is just their latest murderous playground.
As the body count start to climb and the stakes get bigger, Simmons is on a mission to stop these killers at any cost. The killers might think they’re going to get away with murder but the truth is they’re only on borrowed time.

So What’s E.G. Writing Next?

I’m in the process of finalizing “On Borrowed Time”. After that, I’m shifting gears and starting work on a new post-apocalyptic book series which will be 2-3 books in length. More details to come as finalize the book titles, cover art, and so on.

From there, I’m planning to start work on the second Cole Hutchinson thriller novel.

Until next time,

E.G.

Now Available – Operation Freedom

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Greetings,

I’m pleased to announce my new Kindle Worlds book, “Operation Freedom”, is now available on Amazon USA.

You’ll find the link below the book blurb.

It was only a matter of time. Time until the Variants outbreak reached Philadelphia. Time until the City of Brotherly Love was locked in a fight to the death to keep the city from being overrun. It’s taking every member of the armed forces and police to battle the Variants and it’s a battle they appear to be losing.

SWAT Sergeant Vince Black and his team are assigned a new desperate mission: To travel through Variant infested neighborhoods into the heart of the city and rescue the Governor’s daughter, who is trapped without food or water there.

Can Black and his team complete this suicide mission and live to see the next day?

Here’s a link to “Operation Freedom” on Amazon USA.

Operation Freedom on Amazon USA

Since it is a Kindle Worlds publication, I do not have any control over pricing or which Amazon stores it is offered in.

“Operation Freedom” is a post-apocalyptic story based in Nicholas Sansbury Smith’s extremely popular Extinction Cycle universe.

While it is not a mystery/thriller book like my previous publications, it is a fast-paced story with several plot twists and spots of humor as well.

(Note: I will warn any faint-hearted readers that the story does contain some scenes with gore. Why? Well, in the post-apocalyptic genre, it’s one of the reader expectations for any story. So like any of my other books, I do try to fulfill reader expectations and deliver an entertaining read.)

Right now, Amazon has set the price for “Operation Freedom” at just $1.99.

I hope you love this book as much as I loved writing it. Please let me know what you think of “Operation Freedom”. And please feel free to let a friend know about this book as well. In the meantime, I am getting back to working on the next Kyle Simmons novel.

With much thanks,

E.G.

P.S. Here’s the link to Amazon again.

Operation Freedom on Amazon USA

 

New Book Coming, Kyle Simmons, And Cole Hutchinson News Too

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Greetings,

Several readers have tried emailing me from their AOL email address. While I’ve answered each of them, AOL has stubbornly refused to deliver my emails and bounced them back to me. My tech person is looking into it but this isn’t the first time AOL has been *cough* difficult on delivering emails.

Here’s a good example. Fran is a loyal reader of mine. She has emailed me some wonderful emails over time. But every time I try to answer her, AOL bounces the emails back to me.

Here’s what Fran wrote to me recently:

[QUOTE] Gone Too Far – Started book today & almost done – really enjoying it & hope you are planning a sequel. Have already read all Kyle Simmons series so hopefully more forthcoming. Have thoroughly enjoyed them. My Mom was born/raised in Philly so can relate to the area -so much of it has changed!!![END OF QUOTE]

Since many readers have asked me about future Kyle Simmons and Cole Hutchinson books, I’m going to share my (bounced) email reply to Fran:

[QUOTE]
Hi Fran!
Glad to hear you’re enjoying Gone Too Far. If you wouldn’t mind terribly, can you leave a review for my book when you finish reading it? I would greatly appreciate it.
Yes, I am planning another Kyle Simmons which hopefully will be ready before summer. I have plans to do another Cole Hutchinson book at some point but it probably won’t be until later this year. I don’t like to work on more than one book at a time because it increases the likelihood that none of them ever get finished.
In terms of my next release…
I have a Kindle Worlds Novella called Operation Freedom which releases on 2/1. It’s part of a multi-author multi-book launch so contractually I have to wait to share full details until then.
Yes, Philly has definitely changed over the years. But it’s still my favorite city so that’s why I based the Simmons books there.
Thanks again for writing.
Sincerely,

E.G.
[END OF QUOTE]

On February 1st, I will send out an email and post on my blog more details and cover art for Operation Freedom.

I am currently working on the outline for the next Kyle Simmons book along with another potential new book series.

My current writing plan is to publish three additional books this year: One Kyle Simmons, the next Cole Hutchinson book, and a third book to be determined. That’s pretty vague but I will share more details when I have them to share with everyone.

One last thing: I’ve kept the price for “Gone Too Far” at 99 cents since it launched on 12/29. It will be rising to its regular price of $2.99 on Monday 1/30 so if you haven’t grabbed your discounted copy, then time is running out to do so.

Here are a few Amazon links to “Gone Too Far”:

“Gone Too Far” On Amazon USA
“Gone Too Far” On Amazon USA

“But E.G., it’s not a Kyle Simmons book. I’m not sure I’ll like it.”

I understand completely. As a writer, sometimes you need to write about a different group of characters and a different type of story. It helps keep your creative juices flowing to write about different things.

When I first came up with the story idea for “Gone Too Far”, it didn’t make sense for Simmons. As many readers already know, Kyle has a sister so I couldn’t exactly say he suddenly didn’t have any siblings. And a new mysterious second sister, that didn’t sound right to me either.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized I needed a new lead character for the story. But I did not want the new character (or the new book) to be a carbon copy of the Kyle Simmons series either.

I recently received a 5 star review from David for “Gone Too Far”. David says it even better than I could and I’m truly grateful for his wonderful review…

“E.G. Michaels is already the successful author of the Kyle Simmons books. Now he has changed genre and tried his hand at what can best be described as the Jack Reacher type novel and I am both surprised and delighted at how well he is done it. Up until now only Noah Boyd (who sadly died after only two books) has been in the same league as Child, now Michaels has definitely established himself in that league. Although, it is a Reacher style book, this is in no way a clone. The characters and plot are Michaels’ own and Kyle Simmons readers will know how well he does both those. I don’t like to detail plots in a review for risk of spoilers so would only say:
– if you are a Kyle Simmons fan, don’t be put off by the genre change because you won’t be disappointed.
– if you are a Lee Child or Noah Boyd fan please give this book a try, especially as Michaels has made it easy by making it available on Kindle Unlimited.”

I’ll be back in touch next week with the full scoop on Operation Freedom.

Have a great weekend,

E.G.

E.G. Michaels on “Gone Too Far”

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Greetings,

I recently added this to the Amazon book description for “Gone Too Far” and I thought it was worth sharing here as well.

Without further ado…

E.G. Michaels on “Gone Too Far”

“Gone Too Far” is my first standalone novel and it introduces former Philadelphia cop Cole “Hutch” Hutchinson. My previous five books were a series featuring Philadelphia Homicide Detective Kyle Simmons. “Gone Too Far” shares some similarities to the Simmons series, in that there is always a crime which needs to be solved, and the fight scenes are fast-paced events filled with martial arts and gun-play. There are also moments of humor, however not as frequent as the Simmons series.

But “Gone Too Far” also has some distinct differences which make Hutch a different character than Simmons.

In “Gone Too Far” Hutch has recently been forced into retirement due an eye injury suffered while on the job. It was not the type of decision he would have made on his own because he doesn’t feel the injury was severe enough to end his career as a cop.

As part of my early research, I interviewed an active Philadelphia Police Officer to get a very clear idea of what type of injuries in the line of duty could force a medical retirement even though the injury itself may not limit the person from doing most of what “ordinary” people do every day.

Back to “Gone Too Far”. Since Hutch was forced to retire from the career he absolutely loved, this story finds him feeling a bit bitter and cynical towards the world. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and he’s slow to trust others until they have proven themselves worthy of his trust. Having said that, Hutch is naturally warm to women, children, and older people, and he’s the type of person who will always look to step in and help those in need.

Since Hutch is no longer a cop, he doesn’t have access to the tools and technology which many law enforcement members use to solve crimes. Instead, Hutch’s crime solving shifts towards using more traditional investigation methods. As the reader, you have a front row seat as Hutch starts to work the case on what happened to the Klines and figure out once and for all if she is indeed the sister he never knew he had.

In the Simmons series, there are times where the reader gets a brief glimpse into Kyle’s love and sex life. In Gone Too Far, there are several sex scenes which are a bit more in-depth but still try to show the passion and bond between emotionally connected lovers. My intent was to present these scenes in a respectful manner and based on feedback from my female editors and my beta readers, the consensus is that I was successful in that regard.

“Gone Too Far” is a nice blend of thriller, mystery, and vigilante fiction and I had an absolute blast writing it. There are characters who aren’t talking to or cooperating with Hutch, but you won’t know why until later in the story when the powerful reasons that have forced their silence are revealed. You may have a hunch early on who committed the crimes, but you likely won’t know why until nearly the end of the story. No hints — you’ll have to read “Gone Too Far” to find out.

Until next time,

E.G.