The Fright Factory (Sample Sunday)

A 900 word excerpt of my new book, The Fright Factory.

(WARNING some coarse language remains in the sample)

Now available at Amazon.

Wesley saw motion from the corner of his eye.

Jesse wandered into the room. “Howzit going?” He had a length of chain and a padlock. He looped the chain between the two chairs, pulled up the slack, and then clicked in a lock. With a second length of chain he secured Wesley and Robin to the cast iron fireplace. Where Robin had been able to slide along the floor earlier, they were now secured in place.

Jesse showed them both a candle with a hole drilled through the middle near the base of the stick. He set the candle in a brass candle holder on the coffee table. He walked to the kitchen and returned in a few seconds with a long red stick, obviously dynamite. He used duct-tape to fasten two more sticks to the first and he set the three next to the candle. He then took a long string that looked like a fuse and threaded it through the hole in the candle.

Wesley wasn’t sure what Jesse was doing but he knew it wasn’t good. Jesse took the camera off his shoulder strap and began to film Wesley and Robin. Brandi entered the room with a long butane fireplace lighter. She wiggled her ass for the camera and licked the end of the starter seductively and then headed for the candle.

Oh shit, oh shit! Wesley began to understand what was about to happen. He tensed in his chair and glanced at Robin who appeared to know what was occurring as well.

“Wes?” Robin said in a low whisper.

Wesley watched as Brandi enacted a dramatic, slow motion lighting of the candle. The wick lit and then the flame increased. Jesse carefully moved the table a few feet closer to Wesley and Robin. Brandi stood back from the candle about the same distance as Wesley and blew a long, hard breath at it. The flame flickered and danced but remained lit.

“You all can huff and puff but I’d say you have about 20-30 minutes before those three sticks blow the roof off this sh**hole and you along with it.”

Both Jesse and Brandi turned and walked for the front door. Jesse stopped and then said, “Smile now. And please…please make this good! Huh?”

“Have fun,” Brandi giggled.

The flame continued its morbid dance as Jesse opened the door, Brandi followed, and both exited. Wesley watched the smoke of the flame and he could smell that the candle was scented with flowers.

“Wes! What are we going to do?” Robin was pulling on her tie-straps and kicking her feet. The chain made a metallic jingle. “Do something. Don’t just sit there!”

Wesley began to pull at the strapping with every ounce of strength. He pushed with his feet and tried to stand. Nothing. The candle continued to flicker as if mocking them. The scent was growing stronger as the flame grew taller.

Robin was gulping in long breaths and then exhaling as hard as she could. The flame shrank and twisted and then shot higher in the increased oxygen. She did the same maneuver again and again. “For f*** sakes, Wes, blow!”

Both were huffing, wheezing, and blowing and still the flame danced and flickered, and when they stopped the flame was taller.

“Okay,” Wesley said, winded. “On three, fill your lungs, and when I signal let’s blow together. Okay?”

Robin nodded.

“One-two-three.” They filled their lungs, held their breath, and looked into each other’s eyes. He gave a small nod and they both blew out as hard as they could. The flame burned away from their view as they exhaled, appearing as though it had been extinguished. Wesley felt a moment of triumph, however, as soon as their lungs emptied, the flame darted for the ceiling once more.

“F***!” Robin said between gasps. “All we’re doing is helping it to burn down faster.”

“I agree.”

For the next several minutes they struggled at their bonds. Faster, desperate movements. Robin was screaming and swearing and he could see tears streaming down her face. He looked at the candle and saw less than an inch of wax above the hole with the dynamite fuse. He began to feverishly kick his feet and tug his wrists hoping for a loosening or the break of a strap. Instead, the rear legs of the chair snapped, sending him over backwards, resulting in a loud crack when his skull met the wood floor.

He shook his head slightly and glanced up at Robin next to him. She was straining to see him as he fought to meet her eyes. He could not see her face.

“You—okay?”

“Um—think so.”

“Half an inch,” Robin said, in a small, childlike voice.

“I know.” They were both quiet for a few seconds. Wesley was able to move enough on the floor to see the candle. He couldn’t see Robin’s face or stand or break free of the chair but he could see that damned candle.

“I’m sorry,” Wesley said.

“Huh, why?”

“For bringing you here….”

“You only did because I was pressuring you for us to get away.”

“I love you, Robin. More than you know.”

“I do know, Wesley. I love you too…I’ve loved you my entire life….”

“I feel bad—for the kids. This will be hard for them….”

Amazon.com

Fright Factory is Coming September 19

Wesley and Robin Tate become empty-nesters in their early forties when their daughter leaves home for college. Without the shared focus on parenting, a few weak spots in their relationship have been revealed. A weekend away at a secluded resort cottage seems like just the thing to rekindle and refresh their strained marriage.

Jesse Lawless is an indie film maker intent on producing the next great horror classic despite lacking the funds for actors, effects, or a script. He will stop at nothing to capture and upload his chilling masterpiece to satisfy his rabid internet fan base.

With the cabin as the setting and the Tates as his cast, Lawless sets in motion a plan to produce the most realistic slasher flick ever. "We is gonna make us a fine motion picture!"

The Fright Factory is Jesse's version of reality show and movie premise rolled into one. For the Tates, no acting ability is necessary as the terror becomes all too real. In each round, Jesse turns up the brutality in a game where killing your best friend may be the only way to survive.



Coming September 19/11 To An eBook Reader Near You!

Surviving the Fall by William R. Potter

James Goodal has spent his entire life avoiding uncomfortable situations. This safe and easy existence has left James lonely and facing divorce. Everything changes when he takes in a young street girl named Ashley. The pair finds comfort in their unorthodox friendship until her violent world returns forcing James to fight for Ashley and for his very survival.

What readers are saying:

A Quick, action filled read, April 26, 2011

By

Jennifer S (Ball Ground, GA United States)

"Surviving the Fall" by William Potter is a fast paced, action filled book that grabs your attention as soon as you start reading. The main two characters, Ashley and James, are well developed, exciting and emotionally challenged individuals. James, who until he meets Ashley, is a quiet, rather boring guy. Ashley has seen and done it all, or so it seems. The underage street girl meets James when he picks her up. The story immediately intensifies and the action does not slow down. Prepare yourself to flip through those pages, becoming emotionally involved with both characters and amazed by their lives. You will enjoy this book!!!

An Excellent read!, April 21, 2011

By

MightierSword "Gladys" (Harrisburg, PA USA)

I have to admit I was surprised at what a great read this was. Mr. Potter does an excellent job of grabbing the reader and pulling them in so deeply you cant help but feel emotionally involved with the characters.

In "Surviving the Fall" the story revolves around the main characters James Goodal and Ashley Metcalf. Throughout the story you witness James emotional battles as he is torn between simply trying to help a lost soul, and becoming deeply emotionally attached, all the while the reader is made aware of the dangerous scheme surrounding them. You will definitely find yourself continually rooting for the hero of the story.
The only negative that I could possibly find with the book was the fact that Mr. Potter leaves you feel as if you are little orphan Oliver, begging the headmaster, "Please sir, may I have some more?"

High energy..., April 12, 2011

By

G. Reba (Panama City, FL) –

"Surviving the Fall" by William R. Potter is a thrilling story from start to finish. When at first we meet Ashley and James, they are in the final throws of life...or at least one of them is. A stranger was in the house and there was a deadly attack...one that may not be survived. The how and why remain a mystery as we delve into how they first met a mere seven days ago.

Author William R. Potter manages the short novel styling quite well. Whereas some stories can feel rushed when placed in these confines, this tale was told in a fast paced fevor, enabling readers to dive right in and hold on tight. It's easy to get swept up in the commotion as you try to discern just why things are happening and who is after them. The material does get a bit dark with the girls past and the foreseeable future through her eyes, dealing with prostitution and tension. The only drawback I truly saw was of repetitive phrases now and then, but nothing too intense that it pulls you away from the action.

Recommended for adult readers looking for an action packed book with high emotions with a length befitting a quick weekend escape.

Humanity and Innocence has its prices..., April 23, 2011

By

M. Stanhope "Defining normal..." (Chesapeake, VA) –

"Surviving the Fall" by William R. Potter is a quick read and one that made me thing of a saying I use frequently. My saying is "bring home no prisoners and take in no pets, even if they are human". These are words I have lived by for a long time. I wish I had been around to give them to James Goodal, before he rescues a girl thrown from a vehicle and now feels the need to take of her. If only his wife had stayed around the sexual tension between these two would have never become an issue. Ashley, a hooker, a fifteen year old who can show him things he only dreams of, there I said it, why does she have to be under age? It is a test, I swear, he (above) is testing my morality to see what I will do with this person. Did she have to be so pretty, so much fun, so happy and so loving all the time? Ashley does have her own problems though she is a person who has had to endure every part of the human body whether she wants to or not and now that she honestly lusts after someone she is not quite sure why it is not appreciated in return. Talk about an emotional roller coaster ride.

Surviving the Fall is a heart-warming tale of a wayward teenage prostitute and a gentleman with a rescuer complex. It's a great, intertwined plot where all the characters come together, in the same spirit of the Academy Award winning movie, Crash. Potter showcases his writing talent with skillful interspersing of critical backstory in such a way as to avoid slowing the plot. I urge you to take note of the writer's talent for character development and I'm sure you'll be impressed. In fact, I shouldn't think it'd be long before a major publishing house snaps Mr. Potter up because he belongs on the bookshelves with the likes of Jeffery Deaver and Peter Abrahams. Highly recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews.

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Surviving The Fall (Sample Sunday)

SURVIVING THE FALL

Chapter I

DECEMBER 26

James Goodal jarred the oversized revolver from a dying man’s hand and then tossed the weapon across his living room. Even in the after-midnight darkness, he could see blood, soaking red the beige carpet near his feet. The man no longer stirred so James averted his gaze to the top of the staircase and to his surprise, he couldn’t see or hear her.

“Ashley,” he called.

No answer.

“ASHLEY!” he yelled as loud as his voice would allow.

Still no answer.

Fear held James in place; fear of what he would find if he ascended to the second floor of his home. He thought he heard a faint, weak whisper calling to him. A shiver went through him, and he knew he had to move.

He stepped over the body and charged up the stairs for the second floor, and after an instant, he found her a few feet from her bedroom.

“Oh god, Ashley, no!” The teenager had both of her hands clutching her left thigh a few inches below her crotch. Blood was seeping between her fingers. James knew that if the bullet had cut the main artery in the leg she could bleed out.

His mind was adrift in panic, searching for what he should do. Then it slammed into his brain. “I’ll call an ambulance.” He jogged for the phone next to his bed and quickly dialed 911.

“Ambulance!” he blurted when the operator asked for his emergency.

“My roommate was shot in the leg. It’s bleeding badly!”

While sprinting back to where Ashley lay, he pulled off his pajama top and placed it on Ashley’s leg.

“Apply pressure!” the operator said.

“I am!” He kneeled next to Ashley with one hand on his portable phone and the other holding the shirt to the wound.

“Is she breathing?”

“Yeah, she’s looking right at me.” The horror in Ashley’s eyes sunk into him and panged his heart. He had never in his life felt so worried for another human and so utterly useless to help.

“The ambulance is just a few minutes away, sir,” the operator said.

Then the operator began asking about how Ashley was shot, about the kind of firearm, and who fired it.

“Is the shooter still in the house, Mr. Goodal?”

“Yes, I think he’s dead.”

“Dead, sir?”

“Yes, I killed him.”

James set the phone aside and took Ashley’s hand in his. “It’s okay, Ashley. They’re coming. Just hold on, sweetie. Hold on.”

“I love—you—James,” Ashley said almost silently, and then her body wilted and her eyes rolled back and closed.

“ASHLEY, No!”

Available for 99c at Smashwords.com

Now available for a buck at Amazon/Kindle

Surviving The Fall is Now Available!

"Surviving the Fall” is a homerun with emotional ups and downs that had me on the edge of seat. It was scary, lustful, and tender, as the plot pushed the ethical envelop of underage sexuality.

Okay, so what is the story about? It is the story of two lonely and needy people that find each other, find true love and compassion, in a perverse and evil world.

James Goodal, love the pun by the way, is a software programmer. His wife has left him, left him the house and a closet full of her cloths that she will never claim. James is lonely. He has a big heart and a lot of love to give. When James was a child he collected displaced animals and cared for them, nursed them back to health.

It was no surprise that when James saw Ashley Metcalf tossed from a moving car into the middle of the street that he had to help her.

Ashley is a complicated, oversexed fifteen-year old. Ashley has been a prostitute since her mother tricked her out when turned ten. So, it is no wonder that she is afraid to trust James and except his help. However, she gets into even more trouble that sends her to live in James’ guest house to the shock and disgust of James’ sister.

James and Ashley’s relationship is a rocky one. James is very frank with Ashley that she is underage; he only wants to help her get back on her feet. However, James sees Ashley as a sexual creature that has had more experience that he ever will. Meanwhile, Ashley can not except that he doesn’t want her. She sees how he looks at her. She wants to give him what she has; what every man she has ever known wants from her. For the first time in her life she wants to have sex with someone. The tension created between these two well written characters is the stuff of great literature. by Aaron M. Wilson Soullessmachine.com

* * *

Surviving the Fall is a heart-warming tale of a wayward teenage prostitute and a gentleman with a rescuer complex. It's a great, intertwined plot where all the characters come together, in the same spirit of the Academy Award winning movie, Crash. Potter showcases his writing talent with skillful interspersing of critical backstory in such a way as to avoid slowing the plot. I urge you to take note of the writer's talent for character development and I'm sure you'll be impressed. In fact, I shouldn't think it'd be long before a major publishing house snaps Mr. Potter up because he belongs on the bookshelves with the likes of Jeffery Deaver and Peter Abrahams. Highly recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, Allbooks Reviews.

Available for 99c at Smashwords.com

Now available for a buck at Amazon/Kindle

B&N NOOK Coming soon!

Dead of Knight Reviewed by Review the Book.com

“There is a great streak of violence in every human being. If it is not channeled and understood, it will break out in war or in madness.”
~Sam Peckinpah

The murderer is known by many names. He is called Tyro, a apprentice title, until he has killed more then his name is Damian Knight, soldier of justice, that passes judgment on the guilty. In the bar where he plays video games he is known as Retro, the police call him the Birthday Boy, but soon everyone will hear his true name. Jack Staal is a detective with the Hanson Police and has vowed to bring the killer in. “Dead of Knight” is told from the murderer’s and the detective’s perspective, which allows the reader to get a sense of both characters’ personalities. Detective Staal is a veteran cop who is dealing with demons from a past case gone wrong and the killer is also trying to come to grips with a event from his past that has marked him for life.

“Dead of Knight” is set in British Columbia in a fictional town called Hanson where the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are enforcers of the law of the land. The book gives a “real” look at what it takes to solve crimes and that it is not done in an hour as seen on Television. DNA samples take weeks instead of minutes and the suspect is not caught in the last 15 minutes of the show. Suspect after suspect are questioned and ruled out, while the killer continues to murder.

Although “Dead of Knight” in not a true murder mystery since you know the killer, the reasons for his actions are not clear until later. It is still a psychological trip with road block around every corner. It gives a chilling outcome of what can happen to someone who was a product of bullying. The characters are realistic and interesting. I recommend this book to mystery buffs that are old enough to read detailed content regarding killing, sex and drug use.

Reviewed by Michele Tater for Review the Book

Available in print and Kindle at Amazon.com

Book Review: Sandman by Ian Kingsley

The Vincent family is set to enjoy some downtime at their Mudeford Sandbank beach hut, near Christchurch Harbour in Dorset, England. It doesn’t take long for a shocking, brutal murder to disturb this tranquil setting in Sandman by author Ian Kingsley.

We meet Paul Vincent, his wife, Sasha, and their 13-year-old daughter, Leah, at a windsurfing lesson. We quickly learn how Sasha’s flirting brings out the worst in Paul. Paul finds himself apologizing for a jealous outburst directed at the windsurf instructor. The point-of-view switches to actress Carol Davis recalling her horrifying rape on the beach not far from the Vincent’s hut by a man wearing a balaclava. This two-pronged opening with a peaceful beach scene and a violent assault in the opening chapter hooked me instantly.

It has been said that good fiction must have conflict. Kingsley has included enough conflict here for two novels. An incident on the beach puts Paul at odds with a young disturbed loner, a man named Stevie Clarke. Clarke, known by the locals as “The Sandman” doesn’t do well with confrontation. His resentment boils; he produces a large knife and aggressively warns Paul, “I’ll kill you the next time you cross me.” A short time after a jogger is killed, Paul informs the police that he believes Clarke is the killer. Clarke is desperate to get even with Paul for putting the police on him and he begins to stalk Leah relentlessly.

The police appear inept in their effort to catch the killer despite an obvious connection to the previous rape on the beach. Carol Davis contacts Paul and soon the pair are working together to prove to the police Stevie Clark is the killer/rapist. Leah’s attempt to help with the investigation only serves to muddy her father’s work when she hands over evidence that implicates Paul as the murderer to the detectives.

Sandman touches our primary emotions: jealousy, love, guilt, fear, hatred, and grief. As a father, I related to Paul’s unwavering commitment to keep his family safe. I also understood his discomfort with his wife’s tendency to flirt openly with men. Kingsley has written an intriguing mystery/psychological thriller with interesting, believable and well-developed characters. There are twists, turns, red herrings, and a healthy dose of hair-raising fear and suspense to keep even the most fickle reader captivated. The dialogue is authentic, and, along with the scene-painting narrative, you’ll feel like you’re on the beach witnessing the unfolding action.

Just when you think you have it all sorted out, the author changes directions—successfully keeping you guessing until the final pages. When you begin Sandman make sure you set aside a good bit of time, for you won’t stop reading until the last page is savored. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy a great mystery! 5 Stars

New Generation Publishing (2010)
ISBN: coming soon.
260 pages



Reviewed by William Potter for Reader’s Choice Book Reviews

Dead of Knight Reviewed by Apex Reviews

A serial killer is on the loose, terrorizing the unsuspecting citizens of rural Hanson, British Columbia. Dubbed the “Birthday Boy” by the media, the sadistic menace chooses to target only women on their birthdays. As his horrific crusade escalates, Birthday Boy soon falls square in the sights of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - that is, only if Jack Staal doesn’t get to him first. Anxious to solve what will surely prove to be the biggest case of his career, Staal strives to stay one step ahead of the Mounties in his pursuit to uncover the Birthday Boy’s true identity and bring an end to his reign of terror...of course, that’s only if he manages to avoid becoming the crazed killer’s latest victim...


With taut, gripping action and a pulsing storyline, Dead Of Knight is a can’t miss mystery thriller. The skillfully penned narrative from author William Potter shifts seamlessly from the perspective of cop to killer as the action unfolds, ensuring that readers stay on their toes with each fresh turn of the page. Furthermore, Potter masterfully maintains the suspense of his tale with a series of ingenious twists and turns along the way, treating the reader to a cleverly crafted whodunit with the capacity to befuddle even the most discerning of mystery buffs.


As a result, Dead Of Knight succeeds brilliantly where many other offerings in the genre often fail, all without having to pander or overreach in order to do so.

Fast-paced and engaging, Dead Of Knight is an equally enlightening and entertaining read. Kudos to Potter for crafting such a compelling instant classic sure to be hailed for years to come.


Reviewed By Josee Morgan

Official Apex Reviews Rating: 5 stars