Dan Antion

Book One is Done! – #1LinerWeds

Normally, my one-liners come with a lead-in, a backstory. Often those are far more than one line. Today it’s different – one-liner first, then the rest of the story.

“Knuckleheads” is available for purchase on Amazon!

The copyright doesn’t appear on the cover, but I ‘m too tired to remove it from the photo.

“Knuckleheads” is the first book in the “Dreamer’s Alliance Series.” Believe it or not, there are already two other books in this series – they are not yet available, but they will be released later this year. If you want to know why I didn’t release them as they were written, I kept having to make changes across the series. What can I say, it’s my first day.

The series began as a novel, (working title, “The Evil You Choose”) and a sequel to that novel, (working title, “When Evil Chooses You”). Both books feature the main character Zachary Livingston Amstead, his daughter, Abbie, his brother Mike, and his lifelong best friend William Ignatius Terrance. Those are the good guys. There are bad guys, but they don’t show up until “The Evil You Choose,” so let’s leave them out for now. This book arrived later because – here’s a surprise – I thought the backstory was important.

Zach and Billy became friends early in elementary school. When they were in fourth grade, they started experiencing the emergence of paranormal abilities. Zach was beginning to be able to participate in the lucid dreams he had been having for as long as he could remember. Billy was beginning to see events in the future – his future and, occasionally, Zach’s future.

While the second and third book tell a story in segments, which can stand on its own, the core of this series begins in the long-forgotten days of their childhood. According to the people who have read at least the first two drafts, “Reading Knuckleheads first will make you feel like a participant in their tale rather than just an observer.” I like the sound of that, plus, I like the young versions of Zach and Billy.

“Knuckleheads” is their story, as told by the recently retired Zach to his 32-year-old daughter Abbie. Zach tells Abbie this story in one long day. Abbie interrupts the conversation, often. She has questions, comments, and she introduces a liberal amount of sarcasm when necessary. The book moves along quickly, and, according to my beta readers, it’s a fun and compelling read.

If you’re interested in helping me promote this book, I am planning a launch event, beginning around June 20th. If you’d like to participate, drop me an email. I’d love any support you’re willing to offer. Until then, if you’d like to purchase “Knuckleheads” the Kindle version is now available on Amazon. The paperback version is on the way – Amazon is a slow reader. I will update this post when it’s available, and I’ll probably mention it a few more times.

This just in – the paperback version is available!

This post is part of Linda G. Hill’s fun weekly series One-Liner Wednesday. I can’t think of a better place to make this announcement. Linda’s prompts have helped me become a better writer over the many years I’ve been responding to them. If you have a one-liner, or if you would like to join in on the fun, you can follow this link to participate and to see the one-liners from the other bloggers

One of the adult bunnies in the neighborhood.
Contrails
Korean dogwood
Korean dogwood after/during the rain.
She’s focused on my hand. The one that’s not scratching her.
The clouds cleared quickly after the rain.
The paperback cover. If I said everything I wanted to say, I would have had to go with a 6-pt font.
It was raining
This is the new view on the way to the park. They added that pole and those flags late last week.I like it.
Rhododendron in the rain
Rhododendron in the rain
The entrance driveway into the park
It was raining 30 minutes ago, but…
When we saw the baby bunny, We stepped out into the street and walked way around her/him. I wouldn’t interrupt that feast.
Babies – bird and bunny
I woke her, oops
Maddie’s lower deck doubles as a couch when she’s tired.

125 comments

  1. Sarcasm! I like it already! Not to mention that “knuckleheads” is one of my favorite words. I think it was the governor of New Jersey who made that such a useful word in recent times. Congratulations on your book! I will have to wait for the paperback, but I can enjoy the excitement now. I am sure you will have a chorus of cheers going up for you as this post goes out this morning. Kind of like a wave at a football game. Kudos to MuMu for all her editing.

    Liked by 2 people

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    • The process hasn’t helped my blood pressure, Judy. I think I need three days in the workshop without my phone, to calm down. But I’m happy it’s out the door, and I hope the next ones won’t be as stressful. I had a lot of help, and I appreciate all of it.

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  9. I am thrilled for you, Dan and I will look forward to reading all 3 books (or more if you continue on!!). I do wish you all the very best with this endeavor!!

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  12. Heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS, Dan! I’ve purchased my copy of Knuckleheads, and I’m looking forward to reading Book 1 and all that follows. Bravo! ✨🎉✨

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Lois. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I was a kid. I could do 600-800 words a few times a week, but I couldn’t manage this while I was working. I started right after I retired.

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  14. Congratulations to the next #1NY Times Best Selling Author! Ya done good. You’re going to have to widen your doorways so you can fit your head through! 🤗

    Those are award winning contrails. Fantastic picture. But Baby Bunny and Bird take first prize.

    Maddie is stretched out on her deck eyeing that bag of peanuts making sure all the critters wait their turn to get their treats.

    You’re in trouble now with MuMu. First you neglect to brush her and THEN you add insult to injury by disturbing her beauty sleep! What were you thinking Dan?
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Ginger. I have no illusions of my head having reason to get fat, but if it happens, I’m sure MuMu will keep me in my place. The baby bunny and bird were so darn cute together. Even Maddie stood still and looked at them.

      Maddie plopped on her deck, shoved up against the step to “her porch” and declared “We are going to sit before it gets hot.”

      MuMu has been brushed, and she won’t have to listen to me pecking away for a few days.

      I hope you have a great rest of the week.

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  15. Congrats!! Normally, I’m not into paranormal stories, but for you, I’ll make an exception! Can’t wait to read this!
    I love those pretty flowers! I don’t know if we have those here in Texas, they look sort of tropical to me though. Rhododendron. I also love Bougainville but haven’t gotten any yet.

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  19. Excellent! Congratulations! The paperback has been ordered, but will save it for next month when I don’t have much going on and sitting out on the patio in the morning with my cup of tea and your book sounds like a good plan. Then I’ll wait for the other two…

    It’s been a long road and although the process is assuredly stressful, I hope you feel a sense of accomplishment and humble pride. I am happy for you! :-)

    If I can assist with a few tweets, reblog or share on Facebook on the 20th, let me know. That’s the week I’m getting ready for vacation, so I’ll be busy, but will do what I can. For you, Author Dan!

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. Congratulations Dan. You just may bring my atrophied literary reading muscle out of hibernation. It sounds interesting. Are Groot and Skippy going to have a place in the sequels ?

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  22. Dan – so exciting – I’ve bought and can’t wait to read. Let me know how I can help with the launch. I am jealous of you having 2 more ready to roll! When I saw the title, I thought maybe it was a memoir of your time on a non-profit board.

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  29. Dan, congratulations! I got the Kindle ebook and have read up to The Note. Absolutely love your writing style and the story. Brings me back to my school years in the 1940s. We had bullies, but no teacher like yours. And no kids who could see into the future. The teacher is a great character, as are all the others. Of course, I’m getting the paperback too. And all the other books in the series when they are available. Celebrate. This is a compelling book. I’ll finish it today! 📚🎶 Christine

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  30. Congratulations, Dan. This is such exciting news. I purchased the ebook and it should already be on my kindle. I will be able to start it in a week or two, I have one committed read first. A most intriguing name for a paranormal book, I must say. I’ll include this link in my Thursday Doors post this week.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you so much Robbie! I won’t have a doors post, but I will have a landing page for people who do. I have dons results to share from the writing challenge.

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  31. ❤️🙌🏻💃🏼🥳👍🏻👌🏼💐🍻🏆🚂💻🎊📚Woooohoooo and congrats, Dan! It’s such a great book. These boys could be from any American town but they are also uber special. I’m so proud for you. I just wish there was a bowling alley in Boquete.😏😉

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  33. You’re a penis Arnel serve yourself. That’s what auto correct said! No joke. This is what I said:Your peanuts are now serve yourself? Sorry I can’t stop, must nip over to Amazon…

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  34. Reblogged this on Tropical Affair and commented:

    My good friend and author, Dan Antion, went live with his new series book ‘Knuckleheads’ on Amazon today. Check out his post for all the details. I can tell you it’s an intriguing and fun read. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

    Liked by 1 person

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  35. Congratulations, Dan. Stepping back to jump farther forward is quite a good strategy, and this first book sounds fun and a great addition to the series. Good luck with your writing and your future projects!

    Liked by 1 person

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  37. Super congrats, Dan. What exciting news! I’m heading over to Amazon for my copy. :-) And nothing wrong with holding up the books so that you can write across all three. I do that with every single one of my series. It makes perfect sense. Enjoy the glow. I’m looking forward to your book and will definitely review on my blog.

    Liked by 1 person

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  38. Congratulations! Do post more about your launch event and how we can help – I’ve helped other writers with Facebook launches. On my blog I only interview people whose books I’ve read – I’ll let you know when I’ve finished and we can set something up, if you’d like.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Jan. I understand about wanting to read the book first, that’s exactly what I try to do. I will put more details out about the launch, but Facebook is my weakest area. I am just amazed by this community today. You guys are making me feel so good. I hope you like the book.

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  39. I have to laugh here–I read the description of the book series and bit! So glad to know there’s more to follow. If you ever need an extra pair of eyes for proofing, I’m available and I have references. Thanks for writing! Glad I found you.

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  40. I love short titles that immediately evoke a sense of character, and yours accomplishes that, Dan. Who doesn’t like a character like Abbie that can give us a liberal dose of sarcasm?

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Pete. Abbie becomes an even more prominent character as the series continues, and she never fails to disappoint. I changed this title a dozen times, but when I wrote the chapter with the same name, I knew I had the title.

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  41. Hi Dan,I’m not into paranormal fiction but ‘Knuckleheads’ sounds fun. I tried ordering it on Kindle but Amazon.com asks for a US number. How do I get in India? Also, please let me know how I can help to promote it. Would love to do it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  43. Congratulations on your new release, Dan! I grabbed my eBook copy! Great photos, I especially love the rhododendron. I just came back from Portland, OR, to spend time with my grandkids. Count on me for your book tour. I’ll send you an email.

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  45. Congratulations, Dan! I like this title much better, which, in my humble opinion, will attract a broader audience. I just bought the kindle version and look forward to reading! I love the baby bird and bunny in the clover.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks JoAnna. The titles of the next books in the series were chosen to anchor the relationship of the two books. This one was outside that larger story so, I struggled for a title. This jumped out at me, mid way through the story. You’ll see why. I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for your support.

      Liked by 1 person

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  46. Congratulations, Dan, on your book release! The book title and cover look great. It’s impressive how much writing and blogging you’ve been doing. I hope you have a celebration.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thanks Natalie. My plan was to have the book released last month, but… I am enjoying a nice break, albeit still lots of blogging. I’m visiting my brother for a while.

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  48. Dan, I’d buy it based on the title alone. My dad used to call us kids that name when we were doing the things that curious kids do. I would be happy to promote the book. Keep me posted on how I can help. BTY, I read your short (Titanic) and loved it. You gave some interesting clues along the way, (setting, formality, manners, and language) so the ending wasn’t a surprise, and I suspect you did not intend it to be. It was a very satisfying read. I’m off to download Knuckleheads.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Thank you so much, Suzanne. I figured people familiar with Titanic, perhaps more familiar than having seen the recent movie, would pick up on it. I hope you enjoy the book.

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