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My latest book is now available for free to readers, but only through Monday.  Alcatraz Burning, Four Mind-Bending Short Stories offers readers exciting science fiction horror, fantasy, and mystery stories for their reading enjoyment.  Once you have read the tale, please don't forget to leave a review on Amazon.

Here's an excerpt for you below.  Enjoy!










Exclamations arose from the personnel as they recognized the lifeless legs hanging in the air above them as having once belonged to Slaughter. Derek swore and reached up to pull the body out, but it did not budge. He looked closely and noted that the body and clothing had fused into the vessel’s own metallic material. Everyone’s attention was so riveted above that they failed to notice the shadows in time. Once the dark forms reached the squad’s rear, the screams began. Laser fire erupted next, but it had no effect. Bodies of the dead fell about the corridor. Anne’s hands shook as she assembled the cannon. Derek covered her as best as he was able, but his weapon seemed useless. The laser would cut through a shadowy figure, then it would simply re-materialize. He dropped the rifle and went for his backup weapon, which was an old .45 caliber handgun in his belt pouch. He jammed the magazine in and chambered the round and fired twice into the darkness, punctuated with flashes of white light and fire.

Erickson, Karl Bjorn. Alcatraz Burning (Kindle Locations 217-224). Karl Bjorn Erickson.

Rockhound Heaven

The last time I went hunting for fossils, it was just my father and me several decades ago in the Yakima Valley.  We crisscrossed the sagebrush-dotted hills of Terrace Heights to the north as well as visited the Yakima River Canyon.  It was a great activity to do with my dad, but it was a hobby I let slide as an adult.

That changed this weekend.  The four of us recently learned of Holleywood Ranch in Sweet Home, Oregon.  It's only an hour's drive from Salem, and it offers some of the highest quality petrified wood around.  Our visit took place yesterday afternoon.  I particularly enjoyed the sheer variety of the specimens here.  Some of it resembled the bleached driftwood you might see at the beach, but there were also plenty of other species available.  My son was particularly excited with digging-up a carnelian agate.  It's really amazing the variety of specimens found throughout these acres: a rockhound heaven, and it's a great family activity.

If you want to stop by, it's best to call or e-mail first.  E-mail actually never seemed to work very well, but you can text or phone Brad, the landowner, at 541-401-0899.  Keep an eye on your growing collection as you dig; it gets heavy fast, and there is also charge of a dollar for each pound.  You can also drop by their Facebook Page for more information.