#GuestDayTuesday – #D.L.Finn – #BlogTour – In the Tree’s Shadow

/ Marcia

It’s time for #GuestDayTuesday again, and perfect timing for a new release from author D. L. Finn. Denise has been touring with her latest collection of short stories, and I’m very happy to help her get the word out, too. I know you’ll enjoy her post today, so let’s get started. Denise, the floor’s all yours! 😊

Thank you for having me here today, Marcia, to share my short story collection, In a Tree’s Shadow.

“Alone” was written during a massive snowstorm last year that left my husband and me isolated for several days without power. My husband ventured out once to get gas for the generator after clearing the snow at the end of our driveway. This machine powers our well, so we have water and outlets in the bedroom so my husband’s CPAP machine can run while keeping our fridge running and use the microwave if needed.

I stayed home to keep the fire going. I wrote some poetry, and then my mind turned to the pure aloneness I felt at that moment. This story came from those thoughts while I waited for my husband to return home safely. He commented that it was the worse conditions he’s driven in, which is saying a lot. Most of the town was shut down except for a few gas stations and grocery stores—if they had enough employees.

In this story, Lydia’s husband collapses while cleaning snow off their driveway. An ambulance can make it there, and they offer her to go with them, but she decides to drive there. That one decision changed how things went for this couple.

BLURB:

A collection of short stories where dreams and nightmares coexist.

Nestled inside these pages, you’ll meet a couple in their golden years who take a trip with an unexpected detour, a boy desperate to give his brother the Christmas gift he asked for, a girl with a small glass dragon who is at the mercy of her cruel uncles, and a young mother who has a recurring dream about murder. You’ll be introduced to worlds where people get second chances and monsters might be allowed their desires, while angels and dragons try to help. Happy endings occur, but perspective can blur the line between good and evil in these twenty-seven tales. Since the stories vary between 99 and 12,000 words, whether you have only five minutes or an entire evening to settle into reading, there is something that will suit your time and taste.

EXCERPT:

The drought had left them all lazy. No one was prepared for a big storm as the heavy rains turned into snow the night before. Lydia had never minded being snowed in, even without power. But this time, with no power, internet, or communication, there was no joy, only anxiety. It was the first time in her life that she was entirely alone. The emptiness echoed loudly around her, bouncing off the carefully framed photos of happier times when living in a forest had been fun. There was only fear today when she went to leave the house and spotted an intruder. She quickly stepped back inside, slammed the door shut, and locked it. Wiping the frost from the front window, she peered through. They were still there. She tried waving, hoping they needed help, but there was no response except her goosebumps and sweaty palms. Without Bill she had to survive what Mother Nature brought her and a trespasser.

She squinted, but the face was hidden in the shadows. She was convinced it was a man under forty from his brawny warrior stance. He wore faded blue jeans, a red plaid shirt, a black vest, and a black stocking cap, much like many of the men in their small community, including Bill. The snow boots were dated and reminded her of the ones they used to own. Moon boots, Bill called them. Misery coursed through her, thinking of her husband fighting for his life at the hospital while she couldn’t get to him.

This person had to know she was alone and no one could help her. He must have watched the ambulance come and was aware there would be no 9-1-1 calls coming from her house—the power and phones had gone out right after. There was only the silence of a massive storm. She had not bothered to start the generator because she was planning to leave.

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK

FUN FINN FACTS:

  1. I saw a pod of humpback whales from a plane as it was circling to land on Kauai.
  2. Sometimes, I won’t walk in the forest when I feel a bad vibe.

**************
Author D. L. Finn

D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.

 D.L. Finn Links:

Twitter
Bookbub
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
D.L. Finn blog
Amazon Page

70 thoughts on “#GuestDayTuesday – #D.L.Finn – #BlogTour – In the Tree’s Shadow”

    • I’m delighted to have you visiting here today, Denise, and hope you’ll meet a few new readers while doing so. Thanks for sharing with us, and big congratulations on this latest book. Hope it’s a huge success for you! 😀 ❤

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  2. Pingback: In the Tree’s Shadow – “Alone” @MarciaMeara #writingcommunity #readersoftwitter #paranormal #shortstories #newrelease – Author D.L. Finn

    • We should all probably pay attention to those occasional “bad vibes” we get, huh? Pretty scary at times.

      Thanks so much for stopping by today, Craig, and taking a moment to share with us. Have a great Tewe’s Day! 😀

      Liked by 3 people

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    • This is a great collection of stories, Denise. I agree that we should pay attention to those bad vibes. I’ve had instances where I wouldn’t go to a certain place or even when I would travel a different way home because of them.

      Thanks for hosting today, Marcia.

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      • It was my pleasure to have Denise visit here today, Joan, and I’m glad you enjoyed her post. And I’m also glad you pay attention to those bad vibes. I may never have had one in nature, but I’ve had them in other circumstances, and if it doesn’t feel right to me, I avoid it.

        If it turns out there was no need, so what? You haven’t lost anything by choosing a different route or destination. But if your vibe turns out to have been on the money, then you may have averted a problem you wouldn’t have enjoyed. I think we should all pay attention to our instincts. There’s a reason we have them.

        Thanks for stopping by today, and keep on being tuned in to those vibes! 😀 ❤

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  5. I’ve read Finn’s collection and highly recommend it!

    As far as bad vibes in the forest go, I won’t walk in nature, either, if something feels off. I don’t want to run into an angry bull moose or a territorial wild boar or something!

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    • I’ve never gotten a bad vibe from my treks or canoe trips into nature. So far. 🤔But if I did, at least I know it wouldn’t involve an angry bull moose. 😁An angry bull gator, maybe, though so far, that hasn’t happened either. *crossing my fingers it never does*

      Thanks for stopping by today, Priscilla, and sharing your recommendation for Denise’s latest book. Much appreciated! Have a great day! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 2 people

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    • Thank you so much, Vera 🙂 your recommendation makes me very happy!
      Yes, never know what we are preventing by trusting our gut but I’d like to avoid an aggressive animal too!

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  7. CPAP issues are a concern without power. That’s scary. California has had such odd weather lately. Still really enjoying the stories behind the stories, Denise. Wishing you all the best with your latest release, which you know I loved.

    Thanks for hosting, Marcia.

    Liked by 4 people

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    • I really enjoyed having Denise visit here today, Staci, and I’m glad you liked her post. As for CPAPs, I’m SOOOO happy that after ten years of needing one, I no longer do! Yay!

      Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to say hello. Have a super rest of the week! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 3 people

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      • That’s great news, Marcia.

        I saw a new technology that works via implant, without the mask and hose. I don’t need one, so I didn’t look deeper into it. But I was glad for the people who have to deal with that (should they decide to pursue it). Even better that you’re just free and clear now.

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        • It was losing the last 34 pounds that did it. I no longer snore or stop breathing during the night, and it makes all the difference in the world, Staci. If I still needed one, I’d definitely look into some of the new technology, though. 🙂

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        • I looked into it, Staci. Insurance doesn’t cover it and it’s implanted into your neck and has to be replaced at some point like a pacemaker. It would be nice to not have to deal with it but at least it keeps him and his heart healthy.

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        • Mine was weight-related, and when I took care of THAT problem, I stopped needing one. But these days, my brain is pretty unreliable. For all I know, my reprieve might be temporary, but it’s been 3 years, so … so far, so good.

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    • Yes, keeping that machine running is my top priority, Staci. Yes, very odd weather. You would think all our rain would be a good thing but it’s made the weeds grow and heightened the fire danger even more. Never boring that is for sure. I am so happy you are enjoying the stories behind the stories! Xo

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  10. Great blog tour, Denise–and thanks, Marcia, for hosting her. Love the second Finn Fact–‘I won’t walk in the forest when I feel a bad vibe.’ That is instinct. I have learned to pay attention to it–as have you!

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  11. When I read this story, it was easy to imagine Lydia’s deep feeling of aloneness. It is a story that tugged at my heart. Thank you, Marcia, for hosting today. Congratulations, Denise! You’re nearing the finish line. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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    • Glad you enjoyed Denise’s stop by TWS, Jan, and glad you also enjoyed this story. It was a pleasure to have Denise visiting today, and I really appreciate your stopping by, too. Have a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤

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  13. I always enjoy hearing the origins of story ideas, so these posts are wonderful, Denise. And I agree with everyone else about listening to your intuition. It’s saved me from bad situations more than once. Thanks for hosting, Marcia!

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    • Thank you, Teri 🙂 I enjoy learning the origins of stories too. It has saved me too of what I know about, I can only imagine all the things we don’t know about.

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    • I really enjoyed having Denise visit with us today, Teri, and I’m glad you liked her post, too. Thanks so much for taking the time to let us know, and here’s to a great rest of the week! 😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you so much, Gwen, for the lovely comment on my site, and for letting us know how much you enjoyed Denise’s post. So glad to know you highly recommend it, and am looking forward to reading it, myself. Thanks for stopping by today, and here’s to a wonderful rest of the week. Big hugs right back to you! 🤗❤️🤗

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  16. Short stories are the best. You don’t have to wonder what happens next because it happens right after you ponder that question. And, if it’s a spooky tale, a quick ending brings sweet relief. Good luck to you, Denise!

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  18. Great to see Denise here, Marcia. Her new book sounds great and I’ve just nipped across to Amazon and bought it. Isn’t it strange how those bad vibes can suddenly strike without warning? I’m someone else who pays attention to them! 😀 ❤ 😀

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    • I think you are wise to pay attention to your instincts, Trish. The worst that can happen is that it turns out to be a false alarm. Or does it? Perhaps your reaction to your bad vibes changed the outcome, altogether. Either way, I think you’re smart not to ignore things like that.

      And I’m glad you enjoyed Denise’s post and bought her book. I did, too. 😀 Thanks for stopping by and taking a moment to comment, too. Have a great rest of your week!
      😀 ❤

      Liked by 1 person

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  19. Pingback: In the Tree’s Shadow Blog Tour- That Last Ride of the Night. #writingcommunity #bookrelease #readersoftwitter #shortstory – Author D.L. Finn

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