Inspirational Thinking.

I want you to look at this graphic I made and create one of your own, describing yourself and what you want to do with your life. And then share it with the world!

News, updates, and Romantica Excerpt

Hello again!

Sorry it has been awhile since my last post. But I'm back with news and updates! As well as a special excerpt from one of my newest works!

First off, on October 13th I will be at a VeganFest of sorts, signing and selling books, along with a couple of other truly talented artists and wonderful people! So stay tuned for more details on that, I will post them in a desperate post with all the info and a flier once I get it all myself. 

So....

As of late, I have been diligently working my hardest to wrangle my day job and continue the steady work of writing 6 books in the Animal Speak series, as well as two other separate novels that will be targeted towards adults. One is a Sci-Fi novel that takes place during the last days of the earth, and all that can stop the almost undeniable destruction of the earth is a young man, poor, weary, and frightened. But he isn't alone. He comes across a crash site, where he finds a visitor from the furthest reaches of the universe. A visitor with exceptional and extraordinary powers. And together, they will embark on a journey to save all of humanity and the planet they hold so dear.

The second is a tragedy called Romantica, that takes place in a fictional town upon a small island off the coast of Virginia and Maryland. This focuses on six people whose lives intertwine and collapse as they seek answers. This will have no happy ending. A dark and thrilling tale, Romantica will have you on the edge of your seat, or wherever it us you read.

Please enjoy this excerpt taken from my upcoming novel: Romantica.

Marvin got into his car and removed the black, bloodstained leather gloves from his hands. Being a hit man in the town of Romantica was a very profitable but rather grueling job, despite the town being very small and nearly every occupant knowing one another. It was nearing ten o clock at night, and if Marvin didn't get home soon, his wife, Anna, would worry. Marvin's wife, along with the rest if the town, believed that Marvin worked foe the mayor as his personal assistant. Not that this wasn't true to an extent. Marvin just simply failed to mention that the mayor of Romantica happened to be a ruthless and brutal crime lord. Just another day at the office, he thought darkly to himself as he put his blood sodden gloves and gun into the center console of his small but uncommonly neat car.

He put the keys into the ignition and his car thundered to life. He backed out of the drive and drove away from the house and took a left into the street ahead and headed through the small little town towards home. The town was built on a rocky, yet amazingly beautiful and rather large island. The island itself was shaped like a crescent moon and a mile southwest from the coast of a national park that housed some of the only remaining wild horses in the country. The people that lived on the outer borders of the island, mainly all the neighborhoods that held gated and serene private beaches with multiple oceanside properties, were all rich and snobbish, caring only of how much money their stocks held or how many yachts they owned, or who held the next fundraiser for the corporate giant that lived on the mainland. These neighborhoods were nicknamed 'The Winners Circle' by all around, although they all held their own respective names, all with clever references to the ocean and how all the "Rich Fucks" as Marvin's best friend called them, lived. Marvin hated all of them quite passionately. To tell the truth, he hated most everything about his life, the exceptions being his wife, dog, his home and best friend. He turned left out of one of the gates that led out towards his home. He waved to the security guard who smiled as he returned the wave. 

He took another left onto the main road, nicknamed 'Winners Circle Way' by the folks that lived in his neighborhood, and took the winding road following the coastline that would lead him home. He turned up his radio, which was playing a song called "Start Shootin'" by a group called "Little People", just as rain began to pour down in full force upon the small car. He wound this way and that, the wipers moving almost in sync to the music. He kept having this odd and irksome feeling that he was forgetting something, but he could not quite place his finger on it.  He shook the feeling from his mind as he reached the light that he needed to take a last left on to reach his neighborhood. The place that all in the Winners Circle called "The Alley".

The alley was a series of three streets that ran parallel to each other, and was placed smack dab in the middle of the island. A large cobbled alleyway ran through the middle of it, hence the nickname. This part of the island had been originally built by the British in the  early1900's and still had that old historic look to it, the houses all built like small two story flats, made of brick and complete with back garden, and it was here where the rest of the people in Romantica lived. Most of the people that lived in the Alley were happy with their homes, Many of the people here worked at the various restaurants, musical venues, and art bars that were set along the boardwalk. Others worked in the city on the mainland, while a small population were rather successful artists. Marvin's Best friend was in fact a fiction writer, with over 12 published sci-fi books to his name and he lived in the oldest house in Romantica. Marvin's neighbor was a professional surfer who made millions, but really didn't like the 'richies' who lived along the coast, but instead preferred to live with whom he called, "The real people. The movers and shakers man...".

Marvin pulled into his driveway, careful to not hit the bumper of his wife's car as he parked his behind hers. He darted out of the car quickly, hastily slamming the door shut and locking it. In the twenty or so seconds it took him reach the blue front door with a welcome mat that read "The Apple House", he had been soaked to the bone. He jammed the key in the lock and entered his warm and cozy house.

"I'm Home!" he shouted to the household as he threw his keys onto the polished maple nightstand that was crammed into the wall of the front hallway, several letters and bills lying here and there on its surface. He headed up the stairway that was lined with photos of himself, a beautiful longhaired blonde woman with a dazzling smile and bottle green eyes, and a large husky, grinning goofily. He reached the top of the stair case and turned right into the master bedroom. He closed the door and quickly tore off his rain-soaked garments, tossing them into a basket of dirty laundry by the bed. The room was painted a vivid red color, and in the middle of the room was a gorgeous  hand carved four poster bed that was polished and made of oak. Along the posts of the bed had beautiful roses and vines carved into them, giving the room the look of being alive. They had an earthy green, moss colored rug, over a light brown carpet. A fern hung from each side of the bed from the ceiling and there was a large indoor bonsai tree in a great clay pot in the corner by their dresser. Marvin opened the dresser, pulling out a pair of sweatpants and a red t-shirt and hastily threw them on. 

         He opened the door and exited the room, heading back down the staircase and towards the kitchen where his wofe was undoubtedly preparing another magnificent meal for them and the other couple they were having over in a few hours time.

Thanks for reading!

Love,

W. F. Mick

Zombie Academy-A short story for the Undead. By W. F. Mick

Zombies seemed to have cropped up everywhere in today's culture, everything from Shaun of the Dead, AMC's Hit series The Walking Dead, to Novels like Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion.
Well I myself have started a short story that I am only releasing online, about the popular flesh-eating stumblers. So I happily present to you the first Part in my Short story for Online Readers, Zombie Academy.

Enjoy.


For the Undead:
    Keep on Stumbling, There are Brains in your future.

W. F.


       Part One
    Marie Lazlo awoke to the annoying chime of the old bell alarm clock by her nightstand and hastily sat up in her bed before turning it off, resisting the urge to throw it across the room in annoyance. Yawning heavily and rubbing her eyes fervently, she stared around, not taking in anything in particular, as she wasn’t fully awake yet. She sighed deeply and got out of bed, grabbing a dark green button down shirt and some tan pants and got dressed in a hastily fashion, and then made her way to her kitchen. She put on a pot of coffee and looked out of her window, waiting on the coffee to brew. Today the sun was shining bright and magnificent upon the blue sky, and there was not a cloud in sight. She looked out into what was left of her once beautiful green yard, and saw five stumbling, pale grey, and somewhat disfigured corpses wandering around it aimlessly, groaning and moaning. She sighed once more as she watched them, wanting only to join them in their quest for brains and blood, to enjoy the nothingness and pure bliss that seemed to come with being a zombie. But alas, the world wasn’t that kind to her.
    The whole world had changed about five years previous, infecting many with the disease of the undead, turning many humans into bloodthirsty and brain-craving animals almost overnight. The disease had been accidentally released by the now defunct CDC, which were its first victims, and soon spread all across the entire earth, afflicting a good ninety percent of the population. Those people that were left to fight off the majority of what was once humanity slowly depleted, having killed themselves off by quarreling with each other, or being the victims of the disease itself, by being bitten or scratched by the hungry and relentless undead. There was only about five percent of humanity left now, those who were smart enough to avoid the dead and those who the disease did not seem to affect, somehow being immune to its affects, even when bitten. The remaining people had gathered to the dead center of what was once called the United States, in a massive complex in a place known simply as the O-Zone (Meaning Zero infected Zone). There they had built a fair sized community, complete with neighborhoods, electricity, running water, schools, gun shops, gas stations, and even retail stores. There was no need for walls in the O-Zone, as the people were immune to the virus and its victims, but many of the houses were reinforced with heavy metal fences or several timed-locking mechanisms on the windows and doors, to prevent a zombie from walking into their homes while they were having dinner, or making love.
       Marie was among this small populous. She had been bitten a total of nine times to date, and so far, nothing had happened, other than her gaining a new scar to go along with the others she had gathered. Marie was a teacher at one of the schools, and not just any of the schools, she was a teacher at the school for Zombie Defense and Avoidance, nicknamed The Zombie Academy. Here she taught children and adults of all ages on how to defend themselves against the unruly flesh-eaters.

Two Excerpts of Animal Speak Book Two!

Hello again!
So you all know that my first Novel, Animal Speak: The Book of Teachings, which is the first in my Animal Speak Series, is now published, thanks to my wonderful team at SBPRA, but what you dont know is that I have been very hard at work writing the Second installment which is called:Animal Speak: The Oasis of Fire. As a special treat for my readers, here is the synopsis and two excerpts from the second book.

Synopsis:
The Second Installment in the Animal Speak series by W. F. Mick, The Oasis of Fire will lead Stanley and his companions on a perilous journey more darker and terrible than they could ever imagine!
When a terrible curse is placed on Desmond, stripping him of his ability of speech, Stanley must race against all odds to save him! Trekking through The Nowhere Lands, Wandering the streets of The Silver City, and even Sailing across the sea to the fabled land of Elda to seek the wisdom of the original Speakers! As they Journey, they will come across an enemy far more dangerous than ever before, an enemy who is gaining the strength and support of many. Full of familiar Characters and even a few new ones, The Oasis of Fire, is sure to carry you away with the tides that it brings!


Excerpt one, Taken from: Chapter One-The Escape
A man in flowing red robes was hastily speeding through an alleyway, in pursuit of a shackled man who was quite a considerable distance in front of him, now taking a left onto a dazzling and beautiful cobbled street, packed with people and animals. The shackled man was darting through the crowd with the most extreme precision, as if he had planned it. His pitiless eyes were burning with a fierce determination as he pushed passed the people, now gasping and shrieking as they recognized him.

The man in robes shot a dazzling ball of golden light at his retreating opponent from a staff of bamboo that was bound in red cloth, but missed. The light crashed into a cart of apples and shattered it to splinters with a breathtaking flash of blinding gold light. The owner of the cart shouted obscenities at the man as he rushed by, but the man did not care, he had eyes only for the man ahead of him.
A dog, as large as a small fawn, and almost identical in color came speeding out of an alley ahead of the shackled mans left. The man in chains gave a gasp and his eyes widened in fear as the dog fearlessly sped towards him. Before the man could plan an escape route, the dog bounded into the air, and with the force of a sledgehammer, knocked the man down to the ground with a crash. At the same moment a tall man in an acid green cloak, carrying a sword and wearing thick armor on his chest, emerged from a crowd of people. He darted quickly over to the chained man and brandished his sword, pointing the tip of the blade at his throat, daring him to move another inch.
The man in robes rushed up, breathing heavily, he clutched a stitch in his side as he skidded to a halt next to his dog.
"Alright brother?", the man with the sword asked his friend, smiling slightly.
"Better now.", said Stanley, clutching at his side and staring down at the man pinned on the ground, smiling up at them with what they could only guess was pleasure.
Stanley kicked him hard in the ribs. The man groaned and rolled over, clutching his ribs, rubbing the spot where he had been kicked.
"Get up Hart.", Stanley said to the man, stooping down and lifting him up to his feet with the help of Elliot.

Excerpt two, taken from:  Chapter Two- The Nowhere Lands

The land began to grow flat after a while, the great green hills diminishing and turning into thick sand. Plant life began to grow scarce then, only thin brown tufts of plain grass stuck up through the sand, trying desperately to reach for the heat of the sun above. The temperature change was nearly immediate, the air near the village had reeked of the smells of the crisp and coming winter, now it began to grow sweltering hot and the breeze became nonexistent and the air was humid and dry. Sweat was running fast down their foreheads and getting into their eyes, stinging them slightly, and Desmond and Willow now began to pant heavily. Suddenly the land sloped upward for nearly a mile, and they had to focus much energy in getting up what appeared to be a rather mighty dune, their legs sinking in the sand above their ankles and weighing on their feet, not to mention filling their boots and shoes with the gritty stuff, making it rather uncomfortable on them as they climbed. The six companions reached the top of the dune at last, and all of them gasped in wonder.

The Nowhere Lands seemed to be comprised of nothing but hundreds upon hundreds of massive towering dunes as far as they could see. They sat at the top of the dune for a while, looking at the great challenge ahead, and taking small swigs of water from their canteens. Stanley looked at his map of the great desert and was quite dismayed to see that there was no path marked on it for safe crossing, in fact there was no path at all, just sketches of dunes.

“Well.” Elliot said exasperatedly after a few more minutes, “Shall we get moving then?”

They all nodded simultaneously, not wanting to talk, as it seemed a futile waste of energy, and that was something that they would surely need crossing this place, and began to slowly descend down the dune. They traveled on for hours, climbing up one dune and then down it, only to be faced with trudging upward on another, and repeating this process. Their mouths were parched, and the sweat began to drench them so badly, that their clothes stuck to them. There was no breeze in the air, and the temperature began to increase horribly as each minute seemed to pass as the sun made its progress high above them in the sky. They began to grow weary and exhausted, the sand in their boots now beginning to feel like heavy weights on their feet. Only Oliver seemed to not be affected by the heat of the desert, Stanley assumed being high up in the sky would be unbearable, but the great falcon kept gliding above them, enjoying the small breeze that only he could reach. Near dusk as the sun began to set, they reached the top of a particular tall and towering dune, and they all decided that they would rest for the night. Thankful for this decision, Stanley dropped his pack upon the ground and pulled out the tent that Prentice had given him long ago in Oakhill, and set it up. The difference in the tent was immediate, the shade it provided seemed to be a blessing and it was cool and comfortable inside. There was no wood to be found to make a fire, so they ate a cold dinner of bread, honey, and berries. The heat began to wane as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon away west, and was replaced by a cold so frigid that only the desert could create. They huddled together inside the tent that night, each one taking turns at guarding, sitting outside in the icy air in front of the tent, wrapped in blankets, holding their cloaks tight around them. Elliot was watching guard, while Stanley, Desmond, Lumen, and Willow sat inside the tent, shivering slightly. Then Elliot gave a small yell, and popped his head inside the tent.

Thanks for reading!

Get your copy of Animal Speak: The Book of Teachings today so you can be ready for the next adventure!
www.sbpra.com/wfmick

Much Love always!

-W. F. Mick-

Animal Speak: The Book of Teachings, is now on Sale!

     So I am sure many of you know already that my first published novel in my series of books entitled: Animal Speak: The Book of Teachings, is now published and for sale online through a large multitude of websites. I am very excited to have it ready to read, And I hope you all enjoy it, but for those of you who have not seen me tweet and post about it millions of times since its publication here is a brief synopsis of the story for you:
The debut novel from author W.F. Mick, Animal Speak is the story of a man who can talk to animals.

Stanley Goodguard has a gift he has yet to discover. He is no ordinary man; he is part of a select group of people that possess the rare quality of Animal Speak, the age-old ability to converse with any animal. Follow Stanley and his dog, Desmond as they trek through Varia to discover themselves and learn of the original animal speakers who traveled from Elda to found the Speakers Village.
As they search for their destiny, Stanley, Desmond and their friends encounter Hart Blackfoot, a deranged and psychopathic man who is bent on ruling over all people and animals. Realizing they must stand together to stop this madman, they embark on a dangerous journey, facing tussles with mountain lions, battles with wolves, evil men and much more!
Animal Speak is a captivating adventure story about Stanley Goodguard, a man who has a rare gift that allows him to talk to animals. Join Stanley and his dog Desmond as they embark on a dangerous journey through Varia to find the original animal speakers who founded the Speakers Village in Elda.
Along the way Stanley, Desmond, and their other friends face many perils including wolves, lions, and the treacherous Hart Blackfoot; a madman bent on ruling over animals and men alike. Only by banding together will Stanley and his compatriots be able to defeat this ruthless villain.

So far I have had nothing but good reviews on the book, including Three 5 Star reviews from happy customers!!


Keep in Mind, Animal Speak:The Book of Teachings is only book one in the series, so far I have a total of Four in the main series to write as well as two Prequels, and am now on the second installment of the Main series which will be entitled: Animal Speak:The Oasis of Fire. I have already posted on excerpt on the site, and a NEW excerpt will be posted soon! So keep your eyes Peeled!!!



So there you go folks! I, the author, recommend this book to any who have kids, as it is a fun and exciting adventure, but not just for the kids, it can also appeal to the fantasy lover in anyone of any age! So go online to links below, or simply call your local bookstore and request that they carry it today! Remember ask for: Animal Speak: The Book of Teachings.

Thanks so Much for being a reader and having the time to Listen to me.
Buy Animal Speak: The Book of Teachings here:
 U.S.
http://www.sbpra.com/wfmick
http://www.amazon.com/Animal-Speak-Teachings-W-Mick/dp/1622121341/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/animal-speak-w-f-mick/1114112898
http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Animal-Speak/W-F-Mick/9781622121342?id=5580286973199
 http://www.abebooks.co.uk
http://www.tower.com/animal-speak-book-teachings-w-f-mick-hardcover/wapi/123591210
http://www.bookadda.com/books/animal-speak-book-teachings-w-f-1622121341-9781622121342


Thanks a Million!
Love,
-W. F. Mick-

Hidden Gems: Smile Herb Shop

Hidden from view of the hustle and bustle of The University of Maryland and the Busy Body traffic of route 1, there lies a hidden gem for all those nature lovers, do-it-yourselfers and healers of many sorts. Right off Berwyn Road, is Smile Herb Shop.

 The wonderful fountain outside of the shop that runs 24/7. Even during Winter! See the icicles!

The title says it all "If you can't stop, smile as you go by". The ancient house of healing hidden in College Park's rural area has been open for nearly FOUR DECADES now, aiding the community and providing informative insight on the products and all over good nature within.
Founded by Tom Wolfe (Not the Author) nearly four decades ago, this place is truly a remarkable hidden gem for those who love finding more about the various ways the earth can help you in your goals to be a healthier and all around better person.
Upon walking in, I was in fact greeted by smiles (No Pun intended) from the certified Herbalists within. I explored the various rooms the wonderful shop has to offer and this is what this writer found.

 Men and Women are different, as the herbalists know full well, here we have shelves pertaining to both men and women's health.

 Parents Look at this! Even Kids can benefit from the Holistic Medicines and the Herbalists knowledge of the Earth and the way it heals.

 Got Pain? Fix it with these natural healers.

 As you can see above, the shop offers many various remedies for all your healing needs, most of the products above are made from organic materials extracted from plant life and other natural forms. They have a whole room dedicated to holistic medicine, ranging from energy supplements, various stress relievers, etc. As you see, they offer various things for Men, Women, and even Children. Go stop by and pick up that ailment for that cold that winter will surely bring you.

 All those masseuses out there even have a reason to drop by! Go grab yourself some new oils for your clients or even yourself to enjoy a relaxing experiment.

 How about some excellent natural Soaps? I know everyone worries about their hygiene! Look no further! Everything ranging from Avocado on, even shampoo bars for that relaxing shower you know you need!

 If you've never tried Dr. Bronners Pure Castle Hemp soap, I highly recommend it! I myself am partial to the peppermint kind, it gives your body a cool, clean, and minty feeling. It is especially soothing on the scalp, and leaves you smelling Hella Fresh!

 Even the ceiling of the shop reflects the calm and kind nature of these wonderful people and the products they have to offer. Nothing like a tapestry to brighten the day!

 Facial products for all the ladies, you know you wanna look beautiful, well these products will do it! All without the harmful additives and chemicals compiled into modern day products found in most corporate owned stores.

 Get that body looking good with these epic body care products! Both for Men and Women!

 A Product for all seasons! Keeping it fully stocked and looking Good!

 What's that you say? They make organic products for your teeth and mouth? Yes, they do, go swoop some non-chemical toothpaste or mouthwash!

 No More Stinky underarms with these awesome and effective deodorants! I'm partial to the TOMS OF MAINE brands, who also make a really good toothpaste

 As you can see, they even have a small room with a large library of various books and pamphlets to help you better undestand and learn about organinc methods and holistic healing! there is even a Book for all of those Lawn care nuts who are afraid of using harmful chemicals on their beautiful grass! Stop by and grab the book that is right for you! Open a new door in your life by reading, and these books may even help take you further than the doorstep!

 Here is a small table of TESTERS, that you are more than welcome to try! I believe these were balms of various sorts and smells.

 Here we have the remarkable shelf of the various droplets that can help you get through the day, no matter the problem. Anxiety, Stress, UN-calm nerves, etc. There truly is a remedy for everything that ails you!

 Herbs for aroma therapy and for cooking, various spices like clove, cinnamon, etc.

 Candles are perfect to get your house smelling wonderful and to help give you that nice warm comfy feeling that will have people regarding your domain as the land of welcome and wonder! Just make sure to blow your candle out before you leave your domain, or you may return to find that you no longer have one.

 The candle room was by far one of my favorite rooms, It just smelled so GOOD! I didn't want to leave!

 I Love rocks of all sorts. Set near the candles, the plentiful supply of these gems and stones scattered about are perfect for the collectors of the magnificent geodes. They could even be of use to that particular artist that incorporates stones and Gems into their works!

 Each geode, stone, or gem comes with a wonderful yet informative description of each one. You can learn something new every day, and learning more about the things the earth creates is a wonderful start!

 The incense wall was wonderful and very well supplied, even in the slow season! the wonderful smell emanating from it was nearly intoxicating. They have a very broad range of smells, everything ranging from Sage, Amber Honey, Copal, Juniper Berry and Much more!

 Various pendants and hand made creations to collect! Who wouldn't want a beautiful stone carved Buddha, Elephant, or Dog to decorate their mantle or window sill!

 The wonderful incense wall in expanded form, as you can see it goes fast! So do yourself a favor and grab a bundle as quick as maybe.

 The Tea wall is by far one of the most intriguing things about Smile Herb Shop, although it can be rather intimidating to the inexperienced, but no worries! Just ask one of the herbalist on info and they will direct you in the right path. You have many teas to choose from and the possibilities for a relaxing drink are nearly infinite. Just grab a bag and fill it with whatever tea takes your fancy. Be sure to try fun mixes of various teas to incorporate all the healing effects that tea has! Flavors Galore! Mango, Traditional Green,Blackberry, Chai, Lemon, Kiwi-Pear, Plum and Wild Berry teas are just a few of the many to choose from!

 Fresh Herbs to burn to keep your house spiritually clean and smelling Amazing!

 Mason Jars to store your herbs and teas in! Just make sure to label them properly so you don't end up forgetting which is which!

 They even have a nice range of organic snacks and foods for you to grab while your there, trust me, your pantry and your tummy will thank you!

 Here we have the Massive amounts of Herbs to infuse into your medicines or cooking purposes, all you need to do is ask DeAnna, one of the many certified Herbalists that work in the shop. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question.

 I went back to take some more pictures of the Bronner Soaps, seriously love this product, it can do nearly anything when it comes to hygiene. No joke, You Need This product in your household.

You would think that's it, but its not! the shop has so much more to offer!
The hold a variety of classes weekly, monthly and, yearly, that can exponentially help you learn more, and can even earn you a certification as an Herbalist yourself!
The classes are taught by certified and trained herbalists and the subject matter is ever changing and ranging as one of the Herbalists Nick Becker revealed to me. Everything from Herbalist Certification, Prep Healing, Cold and Flu, Essential Oils, Cooking, and even an Aromatherapy class may be coming in the future!

So next time you're in College Park, Take some time to Make it a Must to swing by Smile Herb Shop and check out the wonders and excitements they have to offer the world. And if you cant make it inside, like the sign says, "Smile As You Go By."

Go to www.smileherb.com for more info!


 Thanks for Reading!
-W. F. Mick