To give them a future he has to take away their past...
Thrust into a new reality, Daniel desperately seeks the one person who is supposed to have all the answers, but when he finally finds the mysterious magician, he quickly realizes The Great Magnifio is nothing more than a stylish con man.
With only a letter and a handful of clues, Daniel is in a race to uncover the truth and discover a way to save Mary and the others. However, a sinister revenge is being plotted behind his back and with his own existence in the balance every action may cause his own demise. Knowing the trick spoils the magic, but Daniel is running out of hope...and time.
Publishing this final part of the Night Shift trilogy is bitter
sweet. These characters have been with me the longest, and in a
way they taught me how to write. It has always been my intent to
produce a story worthy of the inspiration they have given me.
I started writing this series in March 2009 and finished in
November of the following year. This was my first time writing
anything of this length and I fell in love with the process. The
novels went through two agents, countless editors, and many,
many, like, a lot of revisions. However,the initial thrill of visiting Willard’s department storenever lost itscharm for me.
In the end, I decided to self publish the series and was extremely fortunate to have the wonderful Penelope Jackson edit all three books for me. She was the editor who took on my very first published novel, Butterflies Don't Lie so I knew Daniel and the gang would be in good hands and a good heart.
FINAL SALE is now available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
Click here to visit the Pinterest inspiration board.
Most people just skip this introductory paragraph so I'm not going to put anything important here. Oh, wait! There's a contest at the bottom of this post so make sure you enter. Before we reveal the cover, a few quick facts about BLACK FRIDAY: 1. It's the second book in the NIGHT SHIFT series. 2. It's self published 3. There are a lot of twists so buckle up. 4. The original title was DISPLAY IN PROGRESS 5. It's 403 pages long. After editing, the novel was cut by 40, 000 words. I know, right? You're welcome. 6. There's a funeral. 7. You will cheer a few times. 8. You will laugh. 9. You will cry. 10. FINAL SALE will be the next and last book in this series.
Now, a bit about the novel...
Where there's smoke, there's fire.
It's been a month since nineteen-year-old Daniel Gale survived the brutal attack that almost cost him everything that he loved. As the culprit waits behind bars for a court date, Daniel and Mary spend every night shift researching Willard's history as a vaudeville theater and its main act, a ruined magician. They are searching for answers that will unlock the mystery of Mary's existence so she can finally escape the luxurious department store.
But an untimely death of an ally results in a shocking letter of confession from beyond the grave, making both Daniel and Mary question everything they thought was true. Under the watchful eye of a strict new night supervisor, Daniel desperately enlists assistance from a dubious source, unwilling to give up on saving Mary. However, his hope is soon shattered when new clues reveal the disturbing truth of Mary’s past—a truth that may destroy them both.
Oh, creepy! Now scroll down for the awesome cover.
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Thanks to Emma Dolan who continues to give this series snazzy faces!
Here are some fun things to do... Add BLACK FRIDAY on Goodreads. Check out the Black Friday Pinterest board with character photos and soundtrack choices. Available to buy now! Amazon US Amazon Canada Congratulations, you made it to the end of this post. Now go ahead and enter the contest.
Loving: That my garden is producing the most tasty peas, beans, and carrots. I can't wait for the tomotoes. It's a universal truth that a toasted bacon and tomato sandwich enjoyed with a cup of tea can fix anything. Reading:Reader, I Married Him. A collection of short stories edited by Tracy Chevalier, inspired by that epic line from Jane Eyre.
Watching:I just finished season one of STRANGER THINGS. My thirteen-year-old son and I made a ritual of watching one episode (okay maybe two) every night. I loved the 80's references (JAWS poster, Tupperware, music...) and my son liked the sci-fi angle stating, "This is better than X-Files."
The kids steal the series. They have cool bikes with lights and walkie talkies and play Dungeons and Dragons in the basement and call each other jerk face. And holy Hannah, everybody smokes! And don't even get me started on the fabulous hair and clothes. I miss the 80's, a time when people weren't bent over their cell phones. The series ends with some lingering questions, leaving room for a second season. I'll be listening to Duran Duran while I wait.
Thinking about: What to make for supper. Seriously. Every single night. Why is meal planning so hard? Please send me your 'family favourite' recipes. Anticipating:Launching BLACK FRIDAY, the sequel to NIGHT SHIFT, my YA paranormal mystery series. I've been working on these books for eight years and I finally decided to self-publish the trilogy. It's been a sharp learning curve as an Indie author, but totally worth the result. My heart is so happy they're finally real books out in the real world. Check out the Pinterest board. Here's the cover I made for Wattpad, the official fancy pants one from the designer will be revealed in style in a few weeks!
When a shocking letter of confession from beyond the grave makes Daniel and Mary question everything they thought was true, he desperately enlists assistance from a dubious source. However, his hope is soon shattered when new clues reveal the disturbing truth of Mary’s past—a truth that may destroy them both.
Wishing:Netflix would make a series out of the Night Shift. But who would play Daniel? Any suggestions? Making me happy: Yoga. It helps my writer brain, plus my hip flexors have never had so much attention.
I’m starting an online campaign to promote an upcoming sale
of my young adult mystery, Night Shift.
I’m hoping to sell enough copies to fund the publishing costs of the sequel, Black Friday. In order to promote this event,
I’m using a platform called Thunderclap to flood Twitter and Facebook with
links to the sale.
Thunderclap is a new website that allows people to pledge a
Tweet or Facebook message all on the same day—and at the exact time—in order to
achieve the maximum effect. It’s kind of like an online flash mob to drive
potential readers to check out Night
Shift.
Click this link to my Thunderclap page and chose either “Support with Tweeter” or
“Support with Facebook” or both! It is completely safe and will automatically
post one message on your behalf. Then add your name to the Thunderclap and on
July 18th everyone that has signed up will automatically post a link
to the message about Night Shift and
help spread the word about the sale!
Never underestimate the power of one click! With your help thousands
of people will be checking out Night
Shift!
Why am I using Thunderclap?
Night Shift is self-published
so I’m responsible for paying for the editing services, ebook formatting, and cover
design. In addition, I’ve been promoting Night
Shift on my own, taking the paperback editions to bookstores to sell on
consignment and organizing online contests and giveaways.
With Thunderclap, I have the ability to reach
many more potential readers. I’m hoping the spotlight on Night Shift will engage a large enough audience to help me fund the
publishing costs of the sequel, Black Friday.
I need 100 people to sign up or the Thunderclap won't happen,so click on this link and create some good karma.
NIGHT SHIFT
by B.R. Myers
Release Date: March 7th 2016
Summary from Goodreads: At Willard’s department store, none of the night security guards survive for long, and eighteen-year-old Daniel Gale is about to discover why.
Tired of living out of his backpack, he ignores the clerk’s gossip about the old building being haunted and accepts the latest vacated position of night guard. On his first shift Daniel narrowly escapes a fatal fall down an elevator shaft and is rescued by Mary—a bossy and intriguing girl far too beautiful for after hours inventory.
Anticipating every night shift as a chance to be with her, Daniel thinks his traveling days are over hoping that Manhattan is the place to call home. But as his life becomes more entwined with Willard’s, Daniel senses unnatural changes and bizarre coincidences both with Mary and the store itself. Soon he begins to suspect Willard’s is hiding something more sinister than gossip about ghosts—something that could make him the next casualty of the NIGHT SHIFT.
The idea came to me almost twenty years ago when I got lost inside Harrods. I remember wandering around the sumptuous confectionery wishing I had the whole store to myself.
And now, after eight years of writing, revising, querying, two agents, and countless submissions, I've made the decision to make this dream come true on my own.
I'm self publishing NIGHT SHIFT!!!!!!
Having published three books the traditional route, (with a fourth out this July, DIADEM OF DEATH) and the wonderful support from Wattpad readers, I knew this was the best time for me to take the plunge into self publishing.
The first thing I did was contact the editor who had worked on my other books—lucky for me she was available. Next, I hired the artist who had done the cover for ASP OF ASCENSION. Emma Dolan was able to give NIGHT SHIFT a slick new look.
Here's a little bit about the book:
At Willard's department store, none of the night security guards survive for long, and eighteen-year-old Daniel Gale is about to discover why.
Tired of endless hotels and living out of his backpack, he ignores the clerk's gossip about the old building being haunted and takes the job as the newest night guard. On his first shift, Daniel narrowly escapes a fatal drop down the elevator shaft, and is rescued by Mary, a bossy and intriguing girl who is far too beautiful for after hours inventory.
Anticipating every night shift as a chance to be with her, Daniel thinks his traveling days are over hoping that New York City is the place to call home. But as his life becomes more entwined with Willard's, Daniel senses unnatural changes and bizarre coincidences, both with Mary and the store itself. Soon he suspects Willard's is hiding something more sinister than gossip about ghosts—something that could make him the next casualty of the NIGHT SHIFT.
Okay, enough words. Scroll down for the official cover of NIGHT SHIFT.
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Emma Dolan was able to come up with this design simply from the query letter. She has no idea how intuitive she is! I love the colour scheme and of course the one tiny light on at the top.
he gray-haired security guard narrowed his eyes, taking
in Daniel’s faded pea coat over the hoodie, and his worn out backpack. Months
of travelling had left its mark; his clothes were dingy, he hadn’t shaved in a
few days, and even his skin was pale and tired-looking.
Daniel caught his
reflection in one of the video monitors that lined the opposite wall, tracking
all the movements inside Willard’s department store. No one from school would
recognize the zombie he’d become.
The man’s wrinkled fingers
drummed on the antique wooden desk beside Daniel’s pathetic, half-page resume.
“You left the education section blank,” he said curtly.
“I’m a few credits short of
graduating from high school.” A few plus some more, Daniel thought to
himself. Then he added quickly, “I’m hoping to finish by correspondence in the
next few months.” A lie. A diploma was the last thing on his “to do” list.
“You dropped out?”
“No.” Daniel’s cheeks grew
warm. He faked a cough, hoping to disguise the blush. He hadn’t anticipated
having to explain his circumstances. “I just didn’t finish the last semester.”
“Any trouble with the law?”
“No, sir.”
“You can call me Mr.
Oliver,” he instructed. His eyes barely stayed on Daniel before his attention
returned to the paper.
“Okay…” There was an
uncomfortable pause, then he added, “Mr. Oliver.”
“Daniel Gale,” he read, his
finger going over the resume as if reading it by brail. “Not a very common
name.”
Daniel stayed quiet, unsure
how to respond. He didn’t think his name was all that special.
The questions started
again. “You’re a long way from home. Why?”
“I’m eighteen,” Daniel
answered, slightly put out by the insinuation he was a helpless kid. “I’ve been
travelling.”
“But not anymore?” One
white eyebrow arched, but Mr. Oliver didn’t look up.
Daniel was struck by a
heavy gloom. He needed this job; it was his last hope.
The thought of getting on
another plane made him sick. Long ago, he’d made a game of trying to guess
which of his fellow passengers had someone waiting for them. A woman with an
infant would more than likely be embraced by anxious grandparents, waving a new
teddy bear. The middle-aged man wearing a baseball cap was always picked up by
his brother or sister. And the girl who checked her makeup just before the
plane landed was meeting a boyfriend.
But there was never anyone
waiting for Daniel.
Before he could put a spin
on his situation, Mr. Oliver spoke again. “Next of kin is your lawyer.” It
wasn’t a question, but he paused, waiting for an explanation.
“My parents are, um…gone.”
Daniel looked down at his scuffed loafers, taken from his father’s closet the
day he left home.
“Ever work in a department
store?” Mr. Oliver asked. Clearly, the fact that Daniel was on his own didn’t
concern or interest him. Daniel guessed if he’d been purposely going for the
sympathy angle, it wouldn’t have worked on this tough crank.
“No,” he answered.
“Any experience with
security?”
“No.”
“How long have you lived in
the city?” he asked suspiciously, as if trying to catch Daniel in a lie.
“Just arrived.” Daniel felt
like he was in his school’s state hockey championship all over again, but this
time, every slap shot was missing the net. His fingers slipped inside his
jacket pocket and found the small round object. He managed a half smile—feeling
the Magic 8 Ball keychain always made him relax.
“I see,” Mr. Oliver said,
studying him. He smoothed out his royal blue tie, letting his fingers pause at
the golden W on the clip.
Daniel squirmed, making the
wooden chair squeak.
“Do you believe in
ghosts?”
He cocked his head to one
side, unsure if he’d heard correctly. “Um, ghosts?” Daniel didn’t dare crack a
joke; in fact, the old guy was creeping him out. Why was it important for a
night security guard to believe in ghosts? He shifted his weight in the chair
again, trying to buy time to think. He was totally unprepared for this
interview. The silence grew painfully long; he had to say something.
Daniel took a deep breath. He knew all about the finality of death. “No,” he
said. “I don’t believe in ghosts.”
“Good. Willard’s has a bit
of a reputation—unfortunately. The store goes through a lot of night guards.”
“Oh,” Daniel said. His gaze
flicked around the room, wondering if there was a hidden camera on him. Maybe
this was some psychological component of the interview? “Excuse me, but by ‘go
through,’ what do you mean?”
“They quit.”
“Oh,” Daniel said again.
Mr. Oliver folded his hands
on the green blotter and stared back. “Why do you want to work here?”
Daniel’s fist squeezed the
keychain inside his pocket. He met Mr. Oliver’s gaze and told him the truth.
“Because it’s just what I need.”
Mr. Oliver let out a long
breath, and then added Daniel’s thin resume to a pile of more substantial
hopefuls, making the outcome of this disastrous interview obvious. Daniel’s
last bit of hope faded, and the disappointment weighed on him like a wet
blanket.
“Thank you for your
interest in Willard’s,” Mr. Oliver said, nodding toward the door. “Come to the
office tomorrow, half an hour before the store closes. We’ll get you fitted for
a uniform.”
Daniel almost fell out of
the chair. “I got the job?”
“Don’t be late,” he said,
then paused, and his voice dropped a few notes. “Daniel Gale.”
“I won’t. Thank you!”
Daniel was stunned for a moment, unable to move. Mr. Oliver frowned at him, and
then motioned impatiently to the door again.
Daniel left the security
office, shouldering his backpack, suddenly giddy with his change in luck. He
leaned against a long glass counter and grinned. He was finally getting closer
to finding an answer.
I usually post this the end of December, but I was knee deep in revisions for two different books, and then Christmas came ... and Netflix.
Anyway, the 'year in review' post has become a bit of a tradition for me. I recommend all writers (published and otherwise) take on this annual exercise. I've found going through the year a great way to re-examine my original goals and help set new ones for 2016. Plus, there's all those 'oh yeah, that happened' moments.
Here are my posts for 2012, 2013, and 2014. So ... grab your popcorn folks, here's what happened in 2015.
Sent off final edits for JUST JESSE (companion novel to BUTTERFLIES DONT' LIE) to Nimbus Publishing.
Met with Fierce Ink Press to discuss cover ideas and book launch venues (whoo-hoo) ANNNND signed contract for book two of the series, DIADEM OF DEATH! (double whoo-hoo)
Traveled with family to Barcelona! So, so, so wonderfully gorgeous and delicious. I recommend the bikini sandwich at Tapas 24.
Halifax has two crippling snow storms three days apart. No one can remember why we still live here.
Most popular blog post that month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 16 "Poor Unfortunate Soul"
April Happy Easter!
Worked on first draft of DIADEM OF DEATH.
The last of the snow finally melts. No, seriously.
New title for JUST JESSE is *drum roll* ... GIRL ON THE RUN. The editor and I discuss cover options. Good times!
A few rejections roll in for NIGHT SHIFT. It's still a featured novel on Wattpad and has consistently ranked in the top fifty since it was posted a year before.
Lovely weekend spent in Old Quebec city. Let me tell you, they do poutine and coffee like nobody's business.
Had book blitz and cover reveal for GIRL ON THE RUN. The fantastic publicist at Nimbus, Tom Ryan (who also happens to be a prolific YA author) made the snazzy trailer.
Celebrated Word On The Street at the bee-u-tee-ful Halifax library, or as Sarah Sawler likes to call it, Halifax's Book Palace. I had the opportunity to share a YA panel with the effervescent and hilarious, Melody Fitzpatrick. I don't have a picture of us together, but here's the Nimbus gang working hard at the book signing booth.
Had book launch for GIRL ON THE RUN! Some of the prizes included ...
Received four stars, highly recommended reviews for both ASP OF ASCENSION and GIRL ON THE RUN from the CM Magazine!
"...an amazing mix of reality, mystery, and fantasy. Asp of Ascension is a really gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their chairs right to the end."
"Quick-paced with lots of twists, readers will love Girl on the Run."
I celebrated with sushi from Wassabi House.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time, Season 5 Episode 1 "Dark Swan"
October
Now that all the books had been launched, it was time to get to my reading pile. I was thrilled to discover, AMRITAby Banana Yoshimoto. I also finished GIRL ON THE TRAIN, and THE MARTIAN.
Most popular blog post for month is "Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 5 "Dream Catcher"
Went to my first Hal-Con and signed copies of ASP OF ASCENSION; fitting since Star Trek is mentioned in the dedication.
November
Book signings galore! I love book signings when the store is all decked out for Christmas. I was especially grateful to have three books on the table this time.
Received my last EVER rejection for NIGHT SHIFT. That's because I made the decision to stop querying and self-publish the series. *takes deep breath, plugs nose, jumps from high diving board*
Lucky enough to enlist Penelope Jackson (editor super star) to edit NIGHT SHIFT.
Worked on creative portfolio for cover artist.
Began work on final edits for NIGHT SHIFT!
Got a sample of covers that are all beautiful. Picked the one that was a perfect mix of style and mystery. (I'd love to show you, but you'll have to wait for the reveal).
Tackled first round of edits for DIADEM OF DEATH. I can't wait to make book art for this one!
Enjoyed getting my skates on again as the Oval opened for another season.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time Season 5, Episode 11 "Swan Song"
Goals for 2016
Write a combined novel for both Kelsey (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) and Jesse (GIRL ON THE RUN).
Skate on the Oval more.
Somehow get chosen to be a parade marshal.
Outline third novel for The Nefertari Hughes Mystery series.
Find the agent who is the right fit for my secret project.
