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Chapter Titles and Something “Special” for the Fans

Today, I will take you on another journey through the depths of my sometimes devious mind, as we discuss one of my favorite parts in assembling a finished work. Drumroll…please! Chapter titles and the abbreviated version on two reasons why they are important to me…and hopefully the fans as well. 🙂

The creation of chapter titles is important for me because of two main reasons. After I have created my outline and all the names of my victims are chosen…err…I meant main characters, of course, I visually play out the interaction of each person, bouncing it off my outline. Now, remember I haven’t written down one word of the story, so my memory is pretty much what I utilize. This can sometimes be problematic, especially if you have three girls at home fighting about which Disney Channel show to watch, and the youngest is screaming at a decibel level somewhere along the lines of an opera singer reaching her crescendo. Needless to say, sometimes I have to remove the words Spongebob or Finneas and Ferb, that somehow found its way into the rough draft. After I’m satisfied with how the chapter flows, I usually pick three possible chapter titles, then systematically eliminate them until the one I should have picked first is the one that’s left. (I did entitle this “Writing Madness.”)

Okay, the other reason the titles are important is this. I simply love to have some foreshadowing for the readers. In my latest re-released work, Death’s Prescription, the first chapter is named “Anatomy of a Killer.” Well, the readers have hopefully reviewed the back cover blurb and know the story is about a serial killer, so when they see the chapter title, they automatically know this chapter is designed to talk about the killer’s thirst for blood. It gives new readers some insight without divulging all the deets!
For my next book, I’m trying something a little different by not using individual chapter titles. I don’t know how that’s going to work out, but only time will tell…

Btw, I promised you a taste of something, didn’t I? Well, here is the first chapter of Death”s Prescription…enjoy, as you are well aware…death is only a click away!
😉

Chapter 1
Anatomy of a Killer

Darkness and death were comfortable roommates for the stranger hidden in the dense foliage. The downpour that spewed from the heavens scattered the masses in various directions, as they sought refuge from the Almighty’s wrath. Outstanding! The art show was the perfect venue for him to collect his next victim. Rubbing the coin between his fingers, the man cherished the preciousness of the moment. He valued life less than the worn fifty-cent piece, which he had taken from his first conquest. The death of the young woman made him powerful, almost like he was deemed to be untouchable by mere mortals. Murder was how he chose to define the nickname his mother had labeled him with when disciplining him so many years earlier. Lucifer. She taunted him with the condescending name for so long.
He recalled his first “masterpiece” as he prepared to kill again. That night had been similar to this, with one exception; the rain had been gently bouncing off the streets in a way that had almost seemed acrobatic. A tall, young woman named Angela Deeds was carrying a dark umbrella in one hand and a set of keys in the other. Her light blue pantsuit hugged her figure like a second skin, leaving almost nothing to the imagination. She ran toward her yellow sports car, trying to avoid the falling raindrops. Not getting wet would be the least of your worries in a few short moments. The destiny of this female was to be his first masterpiece in a line of many that would follow. There had been a previous death, but it was not worthy of the effort. He watched her approach the vehicle, coming even closer to where he was hidden. All the muscles in his body tensed. The two instruments he had chosen to start his new craft with seemed to weigh down his hands. Get a hold of yourself.
He peeked through the bushes and remembered how exquisite she looked. Angela’s hair was the silkiest and shiniest he’d ever seen, like those unattainable women advertising shampoo in a television commercial. Lucifer was excited as he tightened his hands around that night’s weapons of choice, a small syringe full of his paralytic concoction and the silver nickel-plated 9mm semi-automatic handgun. He hadn’t held a firearm for many years and only wanted to use it in case something went wrong.
He had planned the assault in his mind for many days, watching her walk from her vehicle in the morning, knowing she left at the same time every evening. Lucifer walked past Angela’s place of business and purchased some items from a lingerie store adjacent to her office. He even made eye contact with this striking beauty at the coffee shop just a half block away from her designated parking area. His future victim was only a few short feet away, as Angela tried to hold the umbrella and open her car door at the same time. She fumbled with the keys, as they slipped out of her hand, clattering to the ground.
Lucifer slipped out from his hiding spot and approached her undetected. A sudden movement later; it was too late. The young woman tumbled to the cold wet pavement and landed on her back. She looked up. Lucifer noticed the anguish in her eyes, relishing the fact Angela seemed to recognize him from somewhere, but with the onset of paralysis, time was running out for cognitive thought. Lucifer smiled as he towered over his victim, and decided to use the handgun instead of waiting for the drug to take effect. He pulled the silver slide back, as the clicking sound of the bullet being chambered into position thrilled him. Lucifer watched as Angela Deeds’ breathing became labored, and she clutched desperately at her throat, trying to force out the last bite of air. Almost the end.
Her hands relaxed, and he knew she would never be able to move again. Lowering the firearm, he pointed it between her eyes. Passionately, the man gazed into them and beamed with delight as her pupils dilated. Lucifer eased the trigger back until a deafening explosion erupted, propelling the blunt projectile through the front of her skull. The impact of the small round scattered her brain matter upon the saturated pavement.
Lucifer was pleased with his performance and how his victim had been unable to react. He fingered through all of her belongings, locating several fifty-cent pieces scattered in the bottom of her blood-spattered purse. He placed one in his pocket. “This is how I’ll honor all victims. Taking a piece of each, making his or her death a part of my life forever.” That was the first day of his new life. Lucifer would keep the fifty-cent piece with him always to commemorate that day—until the day he died.
* * *
Lucifer finished his performance for this evening as well. The killer had returned to his apartment and stood at the kitchen sink, meticulously washing the remnants of human carnage from his hands. “Unexpected deaths.” Lucifer hadn’t considered two other people would be in the park, but so be it. He improvised, and now they would also be enshrined in his collection of “masterpieces.” Cleaning off the battle-axe, and drunk with excitement, he stared at the wooden table. “Ah, three new prize possessions,” Lucifer whispered.
He picked up the first item. It was a worn silver Zippo lighter with the initials J.P. etched on the right side of the lid. He held it for a few seconds, careful to return it to the proper place before reaching for the next. The killer inspected the plastic neon band, tapping the bright face of the time-keeping device. Raising it to his ear, he could still hear the repetitive sound of a working battery. This treasure had come from his youngest victim ever. Lucifer set it back on the table and smiled.
The third and final item would, hands down, be the most cherished of all his new tokens. He ran his fingers along the canvas, careful not to damage the small masterpiece. The artist had created a wonderful work, which Lucifer admired. I have the perfect place! He decided to hang it on the wall in the cramped closet that held his “collection.” What a productive night. Lucifer was skilled with many of the tools reserved for creating pain and torture. Tonight’s performance was no exception. This sample of work was but a preview of what was to come. Tomorrow, he would start his hunt for another victim, learning all possible details, becoming one with his prey. But now, even the killer needed to rest.

Writing is Not an Option

Now, there’s a thought for you. I started writing in my teens, and for the most part, during those few years, it was a staple of my daily ritual. I would get up in the morning, have a quick protein drink (Yes, I started drinking those at early age, too), head off to school, and sit through a few doldrum classes (I can’t remember to this day what they were). I would start to get excited when it came time for my study hall period. That’s when I pulled out the pen and paper and began to create my stories. Each selection would be unique and range in genre from sci-fi to thrillers. If I wasn’t saving the galaxy or taking down criminals, the day wasn’t complete.

But somewhere between the age of seventeen and thirty-seven (uh oh…I’m dating myself now), my daily journey with right-brain activities became less and less, and then, for the most part, nonexistent. Well, to this day, I believe a large part of me was lost. Several times during those years, I would sometimes get the nerve to sit at the pc and start typing a story…only never finishing it.

After a work related injury, I vowed to re-ignite my hunger for writing. I set small goals for myself and, without much difficulty, surpassed them. Soon, I had finished my first novel, and to be honest, the publication of it wasn’t my only agenda. The reality was this: the ability to create was never lost, just sidetracked. After such a layoff, I knew writing was a part of me, and that would never disappear. For me, to write, is a option…I don’t have. Within a few weeks I’m going to have an update in regards to my upcoming publications, Weaving Evil and Deadly Collection…so stay tuned and remember, death is only a click away!

What are You Thankful For?

Thanksgiving. What a great way to kick off the holiday season. A day devoted to being thankful for the blessings we have in our lives.

This year, I have a lot to be thankful for. I’ve got a supportive family, a rewarding job, and a comfortable home. Also, this year has been great for me as a writer, too: I signed two publishing contracts and soon…ypou fans will have some new reading material. (I know, it’s been way too long for you devoted friends and fans.) I’ve also been blessed with thousands of “new” followers on my compilation of social media outles, so I can truly call all of you, my own collection of trophies..
As you prepare the holiday turkey and all the traditional festivities, along with the upcoming surge of early Xmas shopping joy, I urge all of my readers to take a moment to contemplate just exactly what you all are thankful for. With that, I bid you all a memorable and wonderful Thanksgiving. 🙂

Until next time…remember, death is only a cluck away…oh, wait, I mean…a click away. (Gobble didn’t really work with this.) ;0

Cupid’s Kill…A Short for the Upcoming Holiday

In the next week, a special holiday arrives and along with it, comes a tasty short story for my new fans and friends. If you enjoy the Brian Jeffer’s character, you won’t want to miss this two-part adventure. I promise there are many twists, I didn’t even count on…hehe. So, without further ado, here is the quick synopsis… and remember, death is only a click away!!
🙂

Death arrives in diverse delivery methods.

One in particular is a plague to the detectives of the Marcona Police Department. A monster has returned, and he won’t rest until his vengeance is complete. Armed with a paralyzing concoction and the tools of his trade, he targets a select few to add to his collection.

Chief Mark Blankenship, along with detectives Brian Jeffers and Kelli Jordan, face off against the madman, hoping to end his bloody path of destruction.

Unfortunately, they haven’t anticipated the killer will sacrifice at all costs, making one of them his prized token…

Cupid’s Kill Part 2

Time has come for me to unveil the second installment of Cupid’s Kill. I hope everyone enjoyed the first portion, and I promise…the ending is something you will remember for a long time! (That is, if you read my other novels.) Postings have unfortunately been short as of late, because I’m in the process of completing my latest novel, Weaving Evil. (I know, long time coming.) But be rest assured, more publications are on the way, and YOU won’t be disappointed. Well, enough about the future, time for the present. Cupid’s Kill Part 2 is waiting for you, fans and friends! http://www.amazon.com/Cupids-Kill-Part-2-ebook/dp/B0086O1YHK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1338336913&sr=1-1#_

Which Scares You The Most?

In my books, I explore the fears that many people have. And yes, sometimes they are things that go bump in the night, but often, the fear in my stories comes from very real people placing others in horrific situations. Here are a few samples. Read through them, then vote at the end on my reader poll.

3:16

Cindy finished off her drink, exiting in the direction of the master bath. After pulling open the ivory curtain, she turned on the water. Time for a little more wine. Cindy rushed down the stairs, grabbing the bottle from the table. On her way back up, she realized she couldn’t hear the water running. She stopped at the top of the stairs. Was Mark here and playing games with her?

Bravery set in as she stormed the master bath. Nothing. What’s going on? “Hey, Mark, if you’re in here, I’m going to kick your ass.”

By entering the bathroom, Cindy cut out any opportunity for escape. The dark, masked figure slipped out from her bedroom and was just a feet feet from the bathroom doorway, hidden in the shadows.

Deadly Demented

Brian Jeffers rushed for the sedan with his weapon at the ready. Why would this man be here if he wasn’t trying to kill the rest of my family? This has to be the guy. He dove for the ground as a ring of gunfire cut through the bitter cold. The barrage of metal seemed to last forever, but in reality, it was just seconds. Brian Jeffers didn’t feel the two rounds that penetrated his uniform or the path each made when they struck the tactical vest. He drifted into the darkness, where a peaceful sleep awaited him.

Lucifer’s Calling

Lucifer saw Tamia Stevens exit her vehicle and walk within five feet of where the alcove had him hidden. He could smell the strong, luxurious odor of her perfume as she walked by him and up to lock her door. He watched as she placed her house key ito the door lock and began opening the door. Before she realized something was wrong, Lucifer was on her from behind, pushing her farther into the residence. He kicked the door shut with his back foot, slamming it, ending the model’s hopes of ever leaving again.

Get To Know Police Chief Brian Jeffers

He sat down at the desk and opened the top drawer.  The fifty-cent piece was staring up at him. He had found this underneath a chair in the living room a few weeks after the murders. The only reason he had kept it was the coin was printed the same year he was born. He really didn’t believe in good luck, but a little superstition didn’t hurt anybody. Brian put the coin in his pocket, like he did at the beginning of every day as of late. He opened the closet and grabbed his dry-cleaning. He stripped the plastic off and gazed with satisfaction at the navy blue uniform.  He ran his fingers over the departmental patch on the sleeve. The background was a lighter shade of blue than the uniform and a white-capped mountain surrounded by a running stream was the inlay design. Desoto Valley Police, Colorado was embroidered in red across the top. He hadn’t put a uniform on for several years, but the department required it. He quickly dressed and reached back into the drawer to withdraw the new, gold-plated badge he would wear from now on. He clipped it into place and put the rest of his duty belt on. He could hear Victoria open her door and rush into the office.

“Daddy…you look like a real policeman!”

Brian was tall and once physically fit. He had gained a few pounds in the last few years and it showed.

“Ha! Thank you, I think so, too.” Brian laughed.

Visit the blog regularly for more blurbs from Deadly Demented and other works by Jeffrey Martin.  If you can’t wait to learn more about Brian Jeffers, get Deadly Demented or Lucifer’s Calling now!