D. K. Graham - Author

CHRISTMAS IS
ALMOST HERE!
Books and eBooks are the perfect gift for most people of all ages. They will last a lifetime and be handed down to future generations!

Please visit Amazon.com and type in the title(s) of the book(s) you wish to order. You will find books and eBooks for almost everyone on your gift list!

Smashwords.com also offers many of my books in eBook form.

Titles and descriptions of all of my books, and excerpts from many of them are available on both of my websites:

www.dkgrahamauthor.wordpress.com
and
www.dkgrahamauthor.weebly.com

If you are in the St. Joseph, MO area and want a signed copy of some of my out-of-print books, which are not available online, they are available at Travis Urban's AAA Insurance Office, 3823 Frederick Ave, St Joseph, MO 64506, in the shopping center behind McAlister's Deli. He has several of my children's books, as well as some of my adult books, all at bargain prices.

If you haven't already done so, I invite you to visit and "Like" my Facebook author page
https://www.facebook.com/DKGrahamBooks/. Thank you!

Happy Thoughts
for Today

Be sure to check out the anthologies with works by the St. Joseph Writer's Guild (St. Joseph, Missouri).

I have several entries in each of these two, which are both available on Amazon.com.

Happy Thoughts for Today

It's on its way to the printer!

"Bullies Among Us"
It's Live!
Bullies Among Us, in its new updated paperback version and with a brand new cover, can be found on Amazon.com. Just click on the following link! We hope the eBook version will be available within a week or two.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949830314/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Bullies+AMong+Us+by+d.+k.+graham&qid=1577928374&sr=8-1 We are fortunate to have Erin Thornton as the new cover designer. Thank you so much, Erin, for the inventive design!

An excerpt from "Heartland: A New Kind of Storm"
by D. K. Graham

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Carlos de los Santos paced around in his cell, waiting for something to happen. He had been promised that there would be something major coming down that day, and that he would be free by the time the day was over. He had not been advised what would take place, being told it was for his own protection that he not know. Carlos didn’t like being kept in the dark, but he knew his bosses meant business. If he wanted to get out of this mess alive, he had better lie low, at least for now, and not make waves.

It was lunchtime and his cell block had just been released to eat. Just as he sat down and placed his meal tray in front of him there was a huge explosion followed by two more! The concussion from the blasts sent trays flying and knocked several of the inmates backward off their benches!

Bedlam broke loose! Fights broke out between the inmates and the guards. Sirens were blaring! Inmates headed for the huge opening in the wall which had been created by the explosion. When order had been restored to the chaos there were twelve inmates and a reported four guards dead. There were many more injured who had been transported to local hospitals.

Carlos found himself in the middle of a group of his fellow inmates who had rushed toward the huge hole in the wall. He had no idea where they were headed, but he couldn’t extricate himself from the mass at that point. Being pushed forward, he kept on running. He couldn’t see anything because of the smoke and dust that had resulted from the explosions; holding his breath as long as he could to keep from inhaling the toxic air around him he pressed onward.

There were shots being fired all around him. He didn’t know if it was from the guards, or from the attackers, or both. He just put his head down and kept on running.

By the time he felt he couldn’t run any longer, the crowd had begun to dissipate and he found himself in the midst of a thicket comprised of trees and bushes. Totally out of breath, he sank to his knees, panting hard. He lifted his head and looked around. There didn’t seem to be anyone else near him.

What just happened? Am I free? Where are the guys who are supposed to be here to help me get away? Carlos had a lot of questions running rampant through his mind. He began to panic. Rising back to his feet he started running again. He had no idea where he was going, or even where he was at that moment. He just instinctively knew he couldn’t stay in one place or he would be found.

Reaching the edge of the thicket he noticed a farm house and some outbuildings, including a barn. Looking left and right to make sure no one was around, he quickly made for the barn. Inside he waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness, and then slowly moved around. There didn’t appear to be any animals lodged there; it was being used more for storing tack and various farm implements. His blood began to rush as he noticed a coverall hanging on a nail. It was obviously left there by the farmer to be used while doing chores. Quickly he slipped into the garment. It was slightly large, but would do. At least it covered up his orange prison uniform.

Going back to the door he looked around again to make sure no one was watching, and then he ran as fast as he could back toward the wooded area. He found a stream and, after splashing some water on his sweaty face and head, he decided to follow the stream as it ran toward whatever its destination was. An hour later he found himself approaching a small bridge over the stream. Deciding to take the dirt road instead of following the stream, he headed toward the setting sun, figuring at least he would know what direction he was going.

“Hey, man!” A guy in a dilapidated faded red pickup truck pulled up next to him. “Need a lift?”

Gratefully Carlos admitted that he did, and climbed into the truck.

The young man was way too talkative, asking him all sorts of questions, which he mostly answered with grunts and head shakes.

At a fork in the road the truck slowed down. “Sorry, man, but this is as far as I can take you. I’m headed home down at the end of this road.”

“That’s okay. I really appreciate the lift. Thanks.” Carlos climbed down and took the road to the left. He had no idea where he was going, but the ride in the truck had given him a chance to rest.

He was getting hungry, but as far as he could see there wasn’t anything edible in sight,. He kept walking until he saw another farm house, and decided to walk toward it. Maybe there was a garden in the back? He was in luck. The lights were off so he figured that most likely no one was home. He walked around to the back and found the garden he had been hoping to see. He pulled a few carrots and radishes. They were withered because it was way beyond growing season. They had obviously been left to go to seed, but at least he could eat them.

He noticed chickens and headed for the coop. Stepping inside he rummaged around under some of the hens and found a couple of eggs. He put them into the pocket of the coveralls and headed back outside, not sure exactly how he could fix them to make them edible. He’d worry about that later. The sound of a vehicle coming down the road put him into motion. He ran back through another wooded area to hide.

He saw another stream and washed the withered vegetables. Raw veggies had never tasted so good, even if they had dried out and were woody! He wasn’t sure what to do about the eggs. He knew raw ones could make him sick. Rummaging around in the pockets of the coveralls, he located a book of matches. An old rusty can had been tossed into the stream, so he reached over and retrieved it. He put some of the water from the stream in it, wiped the outside off on the leg of the coveralls, and put the two eggs into it.

Now if I could just find some dry kindling. He kicked around at the pine needles and leaves and remembered that they would burn nicely. Finding a rather large flat rock by the stream, he piled some of the dry pine needles and leaves and struck a match. Voila! He placed the can in the middle of the small fire and watched as the water began to boil.

When the pine needles and leaves had been consumed, he waited for the can to cool enough to handle. Pulling his hand up inside the long sleeve, he picked up the can and put it into the stream to cool it. He had boiled eggs! They weren’t exactly hard boiled, but they were cooked enough to eat. He had protein in his system. He washed his face and hands again in the running water and then headed downstream.

Several hours later he still had no idea where he was headed, but he was exhausted and decided to lie down and get some rest. He figured he’d be safe because he was in a wooded area and should be away from anyone’s eyesight should they be in the vicinity. Tomorrow he would decide what to do.



It was dark when he awoke to a strange sound overhead. Sitting up quickly and listening, he noticed through the tree tops that there was a searchlight being trained on the area all around him. Helicoptors! He was sure they were from the police, and he panicked. He got down as close to the ground as he could and creeped toward a large tree. He inched his way up next to it until he was in a standing position; with his back to the tree he reached around both sides and hugged the trunk, hoping to keep the searchlights from locating him!

He was breathing so rapidly that at first he didn’t notice a sound just behind him. Some men were talking among themselves! Even more frightened, Carlos attempted to hold his breath and sucked in his stomach, again hoping that the tree would hide his presence.

The next few minutes passed so quickly that Carlos didn’t have any idea what had taken place! There were gunshots and he felt something go through his shoulder! He passed out.



When Carlos regained consciousness he was aware that he was in some sort of hospital. As he started to sit up, a male nurse urged him to lie back down. “What’s going on? Where am I?”

The nurse answered him calmly, “Just lie still. You are in North Kansas City Hospital being treated for a gunshot wound in your shoulder. You will be fine. Now lie down, please.”

As the nurse turned and left the room, two uniformed police officers entered. Carlos knew he was in really hot water and started to sweat. Looking around as if trying to figure out an escape route, he found there wasn’t one. He leaned back against the pillows and resigned himself to whatever was in store.

“Carlos de los Santos?”

“Yeah, that’s me.”

“You are under arrest for escaping from the prison in Cameron. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights I just read to you? With these rights in mind, do you wish to speak to me?” The tallest officer waited for a response from Carlos.

Carlos just shook his head before saying, “No, man. You’ve got me. You know I escaped. I guess I’ll explain it to the judge. Say, are you able to tell me how I got shot? Who shot me?”

The shorter of the two officers responded, “A member of a drug cartel gang shot you before one of our officers shot him. You were the fortunate one. The other guy didn’t survive. We did manage to round up and arrest several other members of the gang, and they are currently being held for questioning.

“When you have been released from here, you will be booked into the local jail and your arraignment will be set at that time. I think you know the drill. Meanwhile there will be two officers stationed here in your room until you are released into our custody. Right now it’s Officer Dunn and myself.” He motioned to the other officer. “I’m Officer Kasten.”

“I’d say I’m pleased to meet you, but I’m really not. I think that, just maybe, I’m glad to be here, though. Being on the run was pretty hard on me, even though it wasn’t for very long. At least I have a bed and will get real food.” Carlos managed a weak smile. “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll take a nap. I’m pretty tired.” The drugs that he’d been given for pain had kicked in and sleep quickly found him.
________________________________
The paperback and eBook in all formats are both available at https://www.amazon.com/Heartland-Kind-Storm-D-K-Graham-ebook/dp/B07CMKQBDC/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Heartland%3A+A+new+kind+of+storm+by+d.+k.+graham&qid=1572394921&s=books&sr=1-1

ST. JOSEPH WRITERS GUILD MEETINGS
Chances are that, if you are reading this, you love to read, and either love to write or would love to write.
Please consider joining the St. Joseph Writers Guild the third Saturday of every month. We have amazing speakers, snacks, and great time for fellowship with like-minded people. You do not have to be a published author to join, just interested in the process
or love to read.

Please join our amazing St. Joseph Writers Guild at our November 26, 2019 meeting! We will be discussing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month).
We normally hold our meetings at the Rolling Hills Library, 1904 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506 from 1:00 p.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month.

You don’t need to be a writer or poet to join us, only interested in the process, or just love to read.
Our dues are $20 per year and include several book sale/signing event opportunities throughout the year. You may visit us for a few meetings before becoming a member if you wish.

Check us out on our website: https://stjosephwritersguild.wordpress.com/!

MY HEARTLAND SERIES

Besides the children's books that you have seen me present on Facebook, please remember that I also write books for older teens and adults under my pen name D. K. Graham.
Of special interest to those of you in the Brown County, Kansas area would be my Heartland series, which was set in the Hiawatha-Robinson area in a fictitious town called Wayland. They can be found on Amazon.com by typing "Heartland by D. K. Graham" in the search box, or by clicking on the link https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss….
All 4 books in the series are available individually or as a boxed set in eBook form, or individually as paperbacks. If you are buying the books in the series one book at a time, they go in this order: Heartland Sunset, Heartland Sunrise, Heartland Storm, and Heartland - A New Kind of Storm.

Descriptions, excerpts and reader comments on these and my other books can be found on here and my other website http://www.dkgrahamauthor.wordpress.com.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

ST. JOSEPH WRITERS’ GUILD MEETINGS
Please join our amazing St. Joseph Writers Guild
at our September 28, 2019 Meeting!

Chances are that, if you are reading this, you love to read, and either love to write
or would love to write.
Please consider joining the St. Joseph Writer’s Guild the third Saturday of every month. We have amazing speakers, snacks, and great time for fellowship with like-minded people. You do not have to be a published author to join, just interested in the process or love to read.

Please join our amazing St. Joseph Writers Guild at our January, 2020 meeting!
We normally hold our meetings at the Rolling Hills Library, 1904 N Belt Hwy, St Joseph, MO 64506 from 1:00 p.m. until approximately 3:00 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month.

ON DECEMBER 21, HOWEVER, WE WILL BE HOLDING OUR MEETING AT 11:30 A.M.
TO 1:00 P.M. AT DENNY'S ON FREDERICK AVE. IN ST. JOSEPH, MO FOR OUR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON.

You don’t need to be a writer or a poet to join us, only be interested in the process,
or just love to read.
Our dues are $20 per year and include several book sale/signing event opportunities throughout the year. You may visit us for a few meetings before becoming a member if you wish.
Check us out on our website:
https://stjosephwritersguild.wordpress.com/!

AVAILABLE AS A BOXED SET!

Available as a digital boxed set, The Heartland Series!

This is a perfect way to fill your tablet or eReader with great summer reading! Get all 4 eBooks for $4.99 (Kindle Unlimited members get it FREE!) at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CR7BHQX!

Murder! Arson! Kidnappings!

Weddings, births, divorce, death!

Find them all in
Heartland Sunset, Heartland Sunrise, and Heartland Storm - 2nd Editions, and Heartland - A New Kind of Storm, which are all now available from Amazon.com.

Did I mention that they are all in
LARGE PRINT?!!

The 2nd editions are essentially the same stories as the now out of print first editions, but with new covers (by Julie Powell Casey of Amazing Things Press) and a few tweaks to the first books. The New Kind of Storm book continues the saga with more excitement, including a prison break and more murder, with a surprise ending.

If you haven't read them, but love adventure, mystery, drama and family sagas, my Heartland series is for you!
If you have already read them, they will make a wonderful gift for a special person in your life!

You may order your copies by going to Amazon.com and searching by title and
my author name D. K. Graham.

My Books and Their Descriptions

There are four books in the Clancy Jones series:
1st Year in the Life of Clancy Jones – Pen Thief
2nd Year in the Life of Clancy Jones - Toothbrush Thief
3rd Year in the Life of Clancy Jones - Loving Life
4th Book in the Clancy Jones Series - Still Going Strong
Written by D. K. Graham
Photographs by Beverly Graham Jones

These books chronicle the true story of Clancy Jones, a special needs kitten who was born to a feral mother cat in the backyard of two very special people who dearly love cats. She was very fortunate because her birth mother had abandoned her out in the rain and she was stuck under a drain pipe. It was there that she and her sister Tinkerbelle were found shortly after their birth and adopted, and taken to live inside the house.

Her adopted parents think something affected her because of that, and now she’s deaf and she won’t let anyone touch her head or ears. She seems content in her own little world, except if someone accidentally touches her when she isn’t looking, and then she almost jumps through the ceiling.

These paperback books can be found at CreateSpace's eStore: https://www.createspace.com/ as well as at Amazon.com. Reviews may be left at CreateSpace.com and Amazon.com.

Ebooks in all formats, including Kindle, may be purchased from my profile page on Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DianaKGraham.

The Kindle versions and paperback versions are also available on Amazon.com. Just search by title or by my author name D. K. Graham.

Warrior Atticus the Great Books
Vol. 1, Books 1-5
The Angry Gang – Holograms are Fun – Baseball Cards - Flying Cars! - UFO's
Authored by D. K. Graham
Illustrated by Kate Miller

Warrior Atticus the Great is a young boy with one super power: he can walk on walls and ceilings. He would love to know how to fly! He also has a black belt in karate and knows enough taekwondo to enhance his knowledge of martial arts. This series of short stories follows Warrior Atticus the Great as he uses increasingly amazing technologies such as holograms and shape-changing powders to apprehend a different type of criminal in each story. The stories are meant to inspire children to realize the greatness in themselves and to always stand up to the bad guys and bullies. Some of the stories include a new vocabulary word for the reader to use their resources to solve.

Bullies Among Us
by D. K. Graham
NOTE: The first edition of this book has been unpublished. A new, updated version will be published to replace it within the next few weeks. Watch for it! Meanwhile please go to the Reader Reviews section of this site and read the comments of some readers who have thoroughly enjoyed this book!

This book is dedicated to the memory of Michael Landsberry, the middle school math teacher who was shot and killed on Monday, October 21, 2013, by a 12-year-old Sparks (Nevada) Middle School student, who reportedly was retaliating against some students who had been bullying him. The student wounded two other fellow students before turning the gun on himself and fatally pulling the trigger, ending his own life.
Corrine Beasley is a retired school teacher who has decided to make it her goal to help resolve the ongoing issue of bullying in her community.
This fictional account shows how she first helps three young students who are being bullied deal with their problems. She then becomes an advocate for other students who are being bullied. As a result of her helping these students, she is asked to speak to the students at the area schools, bringing to light the problems caused by bullies.
After she has worked with the various schools in her community, she is approached by the local chief of police, who wants her to work with juvenile and adult inmates who have gotten into trouble because of bullying.
Corrine’s work with the students and adults in her community help to immensely alleviate the problem, bringing a growing awareness to everyone of how much alike people really are.
Although the story is a work of fiction, the problems addressed are very real. If a program such as this one was to be implemented in our schools, and the problem of bullying was to be addressed and eradicated, life would become much easier for a large group of our population.
You may order this paperback book at https://www.createspace.com/4498790. Reviews may be left on the CreateSpace.com site at https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1146137.
The eBook for Kindle may be ordered at http://www.amazon.com/Bullies-Among-Us-D-Graham-ebook/dp/B00KBAY3WK/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1452784439&sr=1-1&keywords=Bullies+Among+Us.
The eBook may be ordered in all formats for all eBook readers, tablets, Kindle, Nook, computers, etc. at www.smashwords.com/books/view/313681 and their affiliates Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Kobo, Overdrive, Scribd, WHSmith, hive.co.uk, livaria cultura, Yuzu, tolino, inktera, fnac, Gardners, Askews and Holts, Browns Books for Students, Odilo, axis 360, and blio!

Cloud Three
By D. K. Graham

Available in paperback at Amazon.com. It is also available as a Kindle eBook on Amazon.com and in the KDP Bookstore.

Pamela Gray is a young widow facing an unknown future.

There are people who want to take her life, and she has no clue about why. Her own family has always been against her. She has no idea why.

Her only rock through everything is her cousin Steve, and even he isn't who she thought he was. She feels as if she's been in a foggy cloud her whole life, drifting along doing what she's been told to do.

She has to face the reality of the murder of her business partner, who is also Steve's fiancee'. Susie's murder is linked to the attempts on her own life.

Her friend and police-appointed bodyguard, Wendy Gladstone, helps her leap over all of the hurdles that try to block her way to a normal life.

Eventually, she finds hope for her future and an unexpected ally as she climbs out of the fog and heads for the top of what she calls Cloud Three.

Available on Amazon.com as both paperback and eBook (digital) formats: https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Three-D-Graham-ebook/dp/B00NF2UW44/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537900209&sr=8-1&keywords=cloud+three+by+d+k+graham.

All other eBook formats can be accessed from Smashwords.com on my profile page: www.smashwords.com/profile/view/DianaKGraham. They can also be found under my author's name D. K. Graham on the following sites: Apple iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Flipkart, Oyster, Scribd, the Diesel eBook Store, Baker & Taylor's Blio and Axis360 (libraries!). Also, all of my Smashwords eBooks have recently been added to the Walmart.com site!

The Encourager
by D. K. Graham
Katie Clark discovered her parents’ bodies when she returned home from a late night session going over college applications at the high school where she worked as a counselor. They had been shot to death by an unknown assailant.
In total shock and grief, she quit her job at the end of the school year and moved to Snow’s Lake, a small town several hours west of the city. She moved in with her aunt and uncle, and was befriended by handsome Jeff Shores during her first week in the small town.
The story follows Katie and Jeff during their quest to find out why a newcomer to the small village had seemingly targeted Katie with terrifying messages. As the couple built their relationship with each other, they found out that several people in Katie’s former life were not who she thought they were. The murderer of her parents came as a total shock and surprise to her. The surprising ending gives the reason for her forgiveness and encouragement of the assailant.
The paperback version is available at the CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4580480. Reviews may be left on the CreateSpace.com site at https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1146140, or on Amazon.com.
Please visit KDP.amazon.com and search for the title # B00HUZD59G to order the Kindle version of this book.
The eBook is available in ALL FORMATS, including Kindle, at Smashwords.com, http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/389487, and at all of their affiliates, including Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Kobo, Overdrive, Scribd, WHSmith, hive.co.uk, livaria cultura, Yuzu, tolino, inktera, fnac, Gardners, Askews and Holts, Browns Books for Students, Odilo, axis 360, and blio!!

I’ll Grieve Tomorrow
by D. K. Graham
When Marnella Paxton finally got the courage to leave her verbally abusive husband, she knew she needed to go somewhere to find out who she really was. As she headed away from her long-time home in Kansas City, she called her sister to let her know she planned to go to Westford, Michigan to uncover their family roots. Neither woman had a clue as to how their lives were about to change forever.
You may order this paperback book and the eBook at https://www.amazon.com/Grieve-Tomorrow-Diana-Graham-Hostettler-ebook/dp/B00DL1YIDA/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=i%27ll+grieve+tomorrow+by+d.+k.+graham&qid=1551045639&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull. Reviews may be left on the amazon.com site at https://www.amazon.com/Grieve-Tomorrow-Diana-Graham-Hostettler-ebook/dp/B00DL1YIDA/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=i%27ll+grieve+tomorrow+by+d.+k.+graham&qid=1551045639&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull.
To order the eBook in all formats for all PCs, tablets, iPads, and other ereaders, visit Smashwords.com https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/174395, or one of their many affiliates, including iBooks, Barnes & Noble, hive.co.uk, Baker & Taylor, axis360 (for libraries), and many, many others.

Solomon, Lucy and the Sollyasaurus
Authored by D. K. Graham
Illustrated by Kate Miller
From Amazing Things Press, available on Amazon.com, the children's book "Solomon, Lucy and the Sollyasaurus" by D. K. Graham, illustrated by Kate Miller. It is also available as an eBook!
Solomon and Lucy aren't thrilled to spend a whole month at their grandparents' house in Montana. They soon find out, however, that what seemed like a boring vacation might just turn into the adventure of a lifetime!
__________
Do you have an elementary-age child, grandchild, niece or nephew who attend Hiawatha Elementary School in Hiawatha, Kansas? They will absolutely want to get their own copy of "Solomon, Lucy and the Sollyasaurus", which was illustrated by their own elementary art teacher Kate Miller! She would love to autograph their paperback copy for them if they take it to school with them!
This is perfect for your adventure-loving child, especially if they love dinosaurs! The paperback can be ordered online at https://www.amazon.com/Solomon-Lucy-Sollyasaurus-DK-Graham-ebook/dp/B077VWXHLK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533837267&sr=8-1&keywords=%22Solomon%2C+Lucy+and+the+Sollyasaurus%22+by+d.+k.+graham.
You can also download "Solomon, Lucy and the Sollyasaurus" to their tablet, Kindle, Nook, PC or other eReader by clicking on the same link!
Make your child's day! They will love to be able to tell people "My art teacher drew all of these pictures!"
Be sure to order their very own copy today.

If You are Serious
by D. K. Graham
Many young adults in high school and college are confused and even a bit frightened about what the future holds for them. They want to get a job, buy a car, get married, become a parent, buy a home, and adopt a pet. They enter into the adult world with a lot of fears. This book is a blueprint giving guidance in how to obtain something they are serious about but have no idea how to get.
The short 3,580-word book reads easily. As one person who has read this book said, “I wish someone had told me all of this when I was in high school. It would have saved me a lot of problems over the years. Every high school student should read this book.”
The book is written with a touch of humor, but offers good, sound, proven advice.
CreateSpace eStore: https://www.createspace.com/4827280.