SERPENT A TALE OF WHAT COULD HAPPEN TOMORROW

Everyone takes for granted our safety here in this great country of America.  We are safe because real people like Nick Washburn actually exist.  They may be special forces, or CIA or  black operatives in other organizations, but because they are there, we can feel safe. SERPENT is a story of what those men and women do and how they do it.  It is a story of what would happen in America if we let our guard down and allow the evil to grow.  We must be ever vigilant and not let those that would do us harm to get even a finger hold in our country.  SCORPION, my next novel addresses what will happen if local, home grown radicals unknowingly mix with a Mexican drug Cartel.  No longer just a war on drugs, Nick Washburn and his team must fight to stop the killings in the Southwest.  To do that Nick and his men must travel deep into the bowls of a drug cartel and hunt them down in Mexico.

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY

Hi kids;
This truly is a great day. SERPENT has begun to find it's way into the hearts and minds of more and more Americans.  I continue to receive such warm and caring reviews.  One reader, Anthony from here in Arizona said, "I just finished your book, I loved it."  Another, Donna in North Carolina, "I stayed up all night the last two nights, I just had to finish this great story."  Let not your heart be troubled...sorry Mr. Hannity...stole your line....Nick's next adventure is going to undergo some re-writes and I have to finish it, but it will be out soon.  I promise more fun, more action and just as much love as in Serpent.

SCORPION IS ON HOLD

Good News Bad news. I have met a profound man who is a writers coach, an editor and a master at the trade of writing. He is a magnificent, gentle, patient, caring and loving man from the Southeastern portion of these great United States. His resume is long and impressive, and his heart and soul are immeasurable. He has, for some unknown reason chosen to take me under his wing and help me to become a better writer. Retired, he only accepts a limited number of projects and I am blessed to have been accepted into his life.

Many of you have written me to tell of how much you loved Serpent and can't wait for Scorpion. I can't wait to share Nick's next adventure with all of you as well, however I am taking a 2 month, or more break from writing while I learn the lessons this man can teach. I will tell you more about him at a later date. For now, the writing career is on hold so that I can improve and give you a far better reading experience that the last one. Not that the last one was in any way bad...it's just that I know with this man's assistance and instruction I have an opportunity to become a far better writer.

Thanks so much for your support. I still plan on holding the competition for the battle blade so work on those videos...and in a month or so I will re-ignite the fires of creativity and get that contest off the ground. I am truly excited about what this will bring to my work. I appreciate your patience while this grasshopper learns from his new found master.

PRELIMINARY CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT

Hi kids.  I am excited to announce an upcoming new contest.  I am formulating the rules and prizes and will have everything nailed down by the end of this week...so stay tuned for further developments.

BOOK SIGNING A SMASHING SUCCESS

While there never was a line, there was always someone talking to me about the book all day long at Gifts to Go.  The time flew by and at 3:15 I checked my phone for the time and realized I had been there almost an hour past the designated ending time.  We sold and signed some books, made some new friends and in general had a great time.  Thanks to Tammy for being such a great host.  We look forward to a long and mutualy profitable relationship with this great little store.  They have some very unique items and specialize in books by local authors.  They are located in Barnaby Street Shoppes at 113th ave and Bell.  Check them out...it is worth the time to stop in and meet Tammy.

CHRIS DARLING MARKETING 101 FOR SERPENT

See what Serpent is about

This video was put together by my son Chris...it gives the flavor of the intensity of SERPENT.  Enjoy.  Just click on the link "See what SERPENT is about above".

GREAT WEEKEND!

A turn in the weather has made the valley of the sun feel more like Seattle.  From 85 degrees Friday to 57 degrees right now, with rain showers...it's just a fun day to watch the weather.  A great day to write...Nick's new adventure SCORPION is progessing well.  Thanks to all those who bought books last night at the St. Patty's day party.  Your support is amazing.  Looking forward to the book signing this coming weekend at Gifts to Go in Surprise, AZ.  Saturady from 11 am to 2:30 pm.  Hope to see you all there. It's located at 113th ave. and Bell in the Barnaby Street Shops on the North side of Bell.

THE FORTRESS

Wouldn't it be great if we had a place like the fortress in the novel SERPENT?  A team of dedicated men and women capable of out hacking the best computer minds in the world, of finding the unfindable.  Capable of taking out 3 targets at 900 yards simultaniously with three shots from a ship on the ocean.  A team that can, on a moments notice assemble a strike force capable of removing almost any threat facing our great country.  Well, while I did not pattern the Fortress too closely after the actual team...SEAL Team 6 is the real life version of the kids at the Fortress.  When you read of the things they are capable of...it humbles you and makes you proud to have them protecting you.  I highly recommend reading SEAL TARGET GERONIMO by Chuck Pfarrer.  Chuch is a former member of SEAL Team 6 and tells the story of how Bin Laden's life came to an end.  He tells it with inside information from his friends still active in the 6.  One of the most informative books I have ever read...if you want to have your buttons pop from pride...this is a must read.

A DNA STORY

Nick Washburn is the current...in a very long line of men and women who have been the one nations counted on when the going gets tough.  His ancestors were the Kings of France, they battled Muslims in the Crusades like Nick battles them in SERPENT.  Book three, as yet untitled will be about one of Nick's ancestor kings and battles he oversaw as King of France. Now the question arises, who will be the next in line?  That question will be answered in SCORPION the follow up novel to SERPENT.  Stay tuned for more about who that might be.  I am currently working on creating Nick's family tree...there are some very interesting characters there.  I can't wait for my readers to meet them all.

FEEL FREE TO COMMENT

If there is anything you want to add to any of my posts...feel free to add a comment.  I am knew to this game...so learning as I grow.  Thanks to all who come here...I hope it spurs you on to buy SERPENT, a book I am very proud of.  Without you the loyal readers I would not have a reason to continue my writing career.  The reviews have been so awesome, I am confident it won't be long before the book begins to get real notice.  Thanks again loyal readers.

SCORPION PROGRESS

I have reached a milestone in the writing of SCORPION the new novel featuring Nick Washburn and the team from the Fortress. The storyline is complete and all that is left to do is write the last 60,000 words. Yeah I know 60,000 words...a lot. But when writing something as fun as these stories the words fly out fast. I have been encouraged by so many positive reviews of SERPENT; this spurs me on to finish SCORPION quicker. In this new tale you'll meet some fun new characters and visit with some old friends from book one. I can't wait for readers to meet Roz, an L.A. detective who plays an important role in taking down the organization that is responsible for attacks on her city. Roz is sure not to disappoint my male readers, another superwoman with looks that kill. Mica, from SERPENT has a much expanded role as he joins Nick's team and trains at the fortress. He and Angie's story develops into something very special, and of course Nick and Melinda are at it again...showing us all what true love can be like. In closing today I wanted to thank the many soldiers worldwide that keep us safe from the evil that threatens. You are what make the Washburn Chronicles possible. You inspire me daily.

SERPENT AVAILABLE IN MANY PLACES

My novel SERPENT is available in many places.  I work with Amazon.com and their distribution network includes many other web based sales locations, like Barnes and Noble's web site.    Right now, the best price I have found (I don't set the price anywhere except Amazon.com) is on BN.com.  There it is about $15.00.  Of course for those of you with e-book readers you can download the Kindle version for $9.99.  Amazon has apps available to load the Kindle version on any device.  I will be, over the next few weeks, going out to local Valley of the Sun book stores in an effort to get a few available to buy there, and I am working on getting my novels available at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide.  If that happens...that party will be at my house and you are all invited.  If you find SERPENT available anywhere other than Amazon, this blog or Barnes and Noble...let me know...always fun to see where it is available...Thanks loyal readers.

DONT FORGET THE BOOK SIGNING IN SURPRISE MARCH 24TH

Saturday March 24th from 11 am to 2:30 pm I will be at GIFTS TO GO located in the Barnaby Street Shoppes at 11340 W. Bell Road in Surprise, AZ. This is my first book signing, join me for the fun. I look forward to meeting some of my followers.

SPRING TIME IN ARIZONA

Spring time in Arizona is the best and for some of us the worst. There is spring training baseball...the best...the weather...70's and 80's almost every day...blue skies and near perfect weather...the citrus starts blooming and if you have never driven through an area with lots of citrus blooming..you can't really know what a paradise that is.  BUT...for those of us with allergies...it means a nose and throat and often eyes that never stop itching.  A price worth paying however for all the great things Arizona offers in the Spring. 

SCORPION is progressing.  I am about half way through it and I see May as a possible release time.  I'll have to work fast, but I know many of you are anxiuosly awaiting it's release.  I know this...for those who really enjoyed Nick's adventures in SERPENT...you'll really enjoy the action invloved in SCORPION.  Nick must battle to save the American southwest from terror that comes from within and just across the border.  I hope to be taking pre release orders starting the first week in May, and by then I should have a firm release date.

THINK POSITIVE

Today I will start a daily post of things I see that are right with my country.  America is still the greatest land in the world in which to live.  People by the millions want to come here to live.  Because we have what no other country has, what no other country has been willing to make the sacrifices to have.  Every day our military men and women risk their lives to protect all that we have.  Some may disagree with where they are and exactly what actions are being taken, but I know we all agree that what they risk and what they believe they are doing is the greatest sacrifice one can offer.  Their families know they are in harms way and deserve our thoughts and prayers.  I am honored to be able to tell stories about these men and women, even though mine are fictional tales, I know there are real men and women out there doing what I write about...keeping us safe from the evil that threatens.  God Bless our Troops and their Families.

FOLLOWERS

I disabled the followers link for a couple months.  One day it would show the 6 we had to start with...other times no one...and I figured no one was signing up because often is said 0 and no one wants to be first...but with over 1600 hits as of this post it's time to bring it back...so I am trying it again.  Feel free to click and become a follower...you will receive updates about the new book, book signing dates, and general comments on the days events.  I will be starting a daily post next Monday where I will address whatever is lighting my fire that day.  Sometimes politics...sometimes hero stories...sometimes just what I am feeling that day.  Like today...I am feeling blessed...I have more than most...I have an incredible wife...three amazing children, one amazing son in law and three beyond amazing grandkids.  I have two pitbulls that make me laugh and smile and feel love all day long.  I have been lucky enough to be gifted with a vivid imagination and the ability to write down what moves me.  I have a lot of old friends and a ton of new ones...I look forward to getting to know all of you better and better.  Please...comment to my posts if you are so moved...it would make my day...;)

NICK AND THE TEAM'S NEW ADVENTURE IS NEARING COMPLETION

I am working hard at completing the next story in the Washburn Chronicles series.  In this next installment Nick and the gang go up against a man known as Scorpion.  Scorpion has conceived a plot to make it easier for him to move his drugs accross the US border into California and Arizona.  He has targeted an organization of peaceful political activists called CELCO and plans on turning them to violence.  To accomplish this he stages shootings in Los Angeles to look like members of a white supreamist group is responsible.  He wins his way into the heart of the leader of CELCO and eventually convinces her violence is the only answer to the shootings.  In DC things in California do not go un-noticed and it isn't long before Nick is called in to take care of the problem.

WINNERS

Winners of the free signed copies have been selected.  Thanks for all the entries.  I will be mailing out your signed copy this weekend.  You should receive them early or at the most late next week.  Congrats and thatnks for entering!  I am confident this book will bring you many hours of excitement and feel good moments.  I loom forward to hearing you thoughts on the book after you have read it.  Please post your reviews on Amazon.com  You will have to sign up for a free account there to post a review, but it only takes a few minutes and it means alot to me to hear what people are saying.

KEYBOARD IS SMOKIN"

I am working fast and furious...pun intended...on completing Scorpion.  Nick's next adventure/mission.  I look forward to sharing with you the world as I see it through Nick's eyes.  I know you won't be let down, Nick is at his best in Scorpion and other characters step up to show you the real truth behind what a hero is and should be.  Some characters from Serpent are back and love is in the air for Angie and Mica.  Twists and turns, plot thickening events and good guys sticking it to the bad guys...what you have come to expect from the pen of Ron Darling.

YOU CAN BUY IT NOW!

     ANNOUNCING.....Serpent, the outstanding new novel by Ron Darling is now available in many locations on line.  Amazon.com carries the larger format 6" X 9" paperback as well as the Kindle version.  Barnes and Noble also offer the paperback, at a reduced introductory price.  You can order the book or e-book for Kindle her on this blog.
     The Novel is Ron's first and will soon be followed by Scorpion the second of the Washburn Chronicle stories. 
    Are you a student of history?  The third installment in the series will encompass the Kings of France as they control the forces of good to squash the Evil Muslim invaders who have taken control of Israel in the 900's.  This sroty will compare the Muslims of those times with the Jihadists we are now having to deal with all over the world.
     After that foloowing books will contain stories about out own American Revolution, the Civil War, WWI and WWII as well as Vietnam and more current conflicts.  Unlike Serpent which is a total work of fiction future installments will have their basis in factual events or on factual organizations as in book 2 Scorpion.  You'll learn about an organzation that is planning the overtaking of California and parts of the southwest for thier own independant country.  While the name of the organization is changed, many of the quotesused in the story will be actual quoptes made by memebers of the movement.  The actuasl events in the story are all fictional, but the organization the story is based on is real. 
     On a personal note, as the author of these books I am proud to feature our hero Nick Washburn's ancestors as heroes of their times.  Those ancestors will be named after my wife's actual ancestors, including several Kings of France.  I will change the last names of her more recent "real" ancestors but their first names, beginning with my wife's grandfather will be the same in future stories.

Back from the Shot Show

Just returned from the Las Vegas Shot Show.  For those who don't know...it's a trade only gun and ammunition show for Military, Police and Hunting.  Lots of famous shooters there, plus many celebrities, but the most sought out people were the many heroes there...retired Navy SEALs, Marines, Green Berets, Army Rangers, Special ops, Snipers, CIA covert operatives and others who in their time were the appointed ones who kept us all safe.  I won't name names...but suffice it to say many of the best of the best were there.  One particular shout out to Chuck Pfarrer, former team leader of SEAL Team 6.  His book SEAL TARGET GERONIMO tells the true story of SEAL Team 6's mission to take out Osama Bin Laden.  I spent some time talking to Chuck, he is a GREAT American and very nice guy, just glad he is on our side. 

I researched weapons and have found the perfect sniper rifle for our next mission.  The Desert Tactical Arms PSR (Precision Sniper Rifle).  It has interchangable barrles and bolts to allow for .308 Win., .300 Win. Mag., and .338 LM (Lapua) rounds.   I was VERY impressed with the weapon, and the support team at Desert Tactical.  They are great guys and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them.  I can't wait to give the gun a try out.