American Midnight--an early review

Brandon and I have recently finished writing our next novel, American Midnight, which has a tentative release date of February 2010 from Silver Leaf Books. This is an early review by Melissa Meeks, who was gracious enough to read the book for us.

For those that enjoy a riveting political thriller you just may find a wonderful new novel to ad to your TBR come February. Michael Lynch and Brandon Barr have collaborated on American Midnight and proven themselves to be a dynamic duo based on the manuscript I had the pleasure of being thoroughly buried in this past several days.

Thankfully the only literal burial was when one of the characters in the story experienced flashbacks of events she had witnessed prior to the book’s time frame. Truth and Peace collide in this action / adventure tale with a dash of romance. The Unity Party platform is paving the way for one world religion and an elected government hoping to delude Americans into craving the reign of a Biblical Antichrist for the reputed lack of conflict being promised.

Regardless of their intentions many Christians and the true Church as a body soon see through the smoke-screen and concoct their own variety of projects to eliminate the Party. Will the Believers who’ve been roped into this elaborate fraud see True Light before it’s too late? Can the ones already fingered as enemies of this disquieting masquerade be saved by those still under the radar? Tania along with her friends and family will discover if God is Truth as His word declares or if the human order wrought by this new political entity taking over a once free country will prosper despite their evil intentions.

Loss in many forms has plagued Tania throughout her past and present yet as people continue to inform her along the way, she has been spared not as a horrid joke to see her continue suffering but because the One who spared her despite all the close calls has a purpose for her on this earth. If we walk or even run from ultimate Truth, when God has His hand on us we will find the enemy’s efforts to coerce us towards “escape” foiled in order for that purpose to be realized.

Barr and Lynch have crafted a convicting and timely tale that will entrance readers of various genres with a dose of Truth not overtly presented even by contemporary churches in many instances. Be sure to pick up a copy of this page-turner at your earliest opportunity and don’t – I repeat don’t bury it in the TBR lest time run out all too soon.

If you are interested in reading other reviews and/or blogs written by Melissa Meeks, you can find them at:

Bibliophile's Retreat: http://bibliophilesretreat.com/
Subscribe to Bibliophile's Retreat

Also, if anyone looking for editing help with their manuscripts, Melissa would be happy to talk to you about it. Her e-mail address is: melissa.meeks@organizingdetails.com

For those looking book reviews or blog tour posts, Melissa would also be happy to talk to you about that. For those services you can reach her at: inquiries@bibliophilesretreat.com. Although she can't promise to accept every request she receives she does welcome all inquiries.

LOCAL AUTHOR SHARES HIS INSPIRATION

Sci-fi author Mike Lynch publishes first novel and meets his readers

by Ramon Giwargis, Almaden Valley Times

What would we do if 1,000 alien ships headed toward earth to attack us? How would we react? Would we stop them? These are the questions swirling in the mind of sci-fi author Mike Lynch.

"Ever since I was a kid, I loved science fiction - movies, TV shows," Lynch said. "It's something I know a lot about and have an interest in."

With an unwavering interest in science fiction and a creative mind, Lynch went to work writing his first now, titled "When the Sky Fell." After many months of perseverance and rejection letters, he finally heard the news that would change his life. "When I got the e-mail from the editor that they wanted to green-light my manuscript, I wouldn't believe it," Lynch said. "My wife came in an asked what was wrong. She read the e-mail and started crying."

Lynch found out that the publishing house had approved his manuscript for print. The process of getting the "green light" from a publisher takes many years, in addition to talent and luck. Ninety-nine percent of aspiring authors do not get published.

To help share his story and present readers with "When the Sky Fell," Lynch spent three hours of his Saturday at the Almaden branch Barnes and Noble bookstore. Giving one-to-one attention to each individual, Lynch spent hours speaking to his loyal fans while introducing news readers to the plot of his book. Lynch still had time to sign books and offer publishing advice to aspiring writers.

Long-time friend and fellow sci-fi fan Craig Sanborn came to Barnes and Noble to encourage and cheer on Lynch. "I just really wanted to support him," Sanborn said. "It's so incredible and awesome that he's following his passion and dream. The fact that Mike enjoys some of those old sci-fi TV shows is really great. I like the way he writes and what he puts in there."

Most sci-fi fans appreciate the out-of-this-world ideas and scenarios cooked up by Lynch's imagination.

"I like the salvation thread," said Tina Swanson, who highly recommends "When the Sky Fell." "I find it very detailed and it really does create some graphic images. It's an excellent book. I'm enjoying it. It's a good story and I support him 100 percent."

Barnes and Noble story manager Ali Dangidang welcomes local authors like Lynch to her store and considers it a win-win situation. "We love having authors come in," Dangidang said. "It's a great experience for the community. I hope he sells out. I tend to put authors where there is a lot of traffic to socialize with folks. People come in and want to see what's going on. It creates a community connection."

For Lynch, a history major from San Jose State University and father of two, following his heart and childhood interest led him to triumph. He credits his current success to the fact that he believe in the material he was writing. "You have to believe in the story and not give up," Lynch said, offering the following advice to young writers: "Perseverance. That's what it takes. You have to keep trying, trying, trying."

While Lynch looks forward to his future and writing the sequel to "When the Sky Fell," he always remembers the milestones leading up to his first publication. Most people do not realize that steps needed to publish a book, and Lynch enjoys offering his assistance and advice. "One of the things that's good to have is an objective pair of eyes read your manuscript," Lynch explained. "Someone who knows writing, but not a family member; you need to hear where it needs work."

The business is filled with rejection letters, so Lynch mentions that developing a thick skin helps too. But after years of perseverance and never losing sight of his goal, Lynch has become a successful published author. With his hard work and determination, he proves to others that anything is possible.

Mike's newest short story

Mike Lynch's short story, A Small Sacrifice, is in Digital Dragon's latest issue.

Here's a teaser: A battle between two alien warriors, waged on Earth. Two humans caught in the middle. And a lesson in love and sacrifice.

Wanna give it a read, click HERE!

Brandon's new short story

Hey friends. I'm pleased to announce that my short story, "The Kitterson Ranch Incident" has been published by Residential Aliens.

What happens when back country folks run into bigfoot fanatics? Let's just say, things get hairy.

If you want to give it a read, check it out HERE!

Interviews and updates

Mike and I were pleased to have been interviewed by Amy Deardon over at her blog. If you're interested, check out her interview with us: Part One, and Part Two

Also, Mike and I had a blast recording with The Snarky Avenger over at Snark Invested Waters.
The podcast with Mike and I will be available soon.

WRITING UPDATE:
Mike and I are currently on chapter nine of the sequel to When the Sky Fell. We're also re-polishing "After the Cross," are archeological adventure novel. We hope it finds a home with a big Christian publisher!