The Dark Trinity (Book 1): Shuffle
SHUFFLE
THE
DARK TRINITY ~ BOOK 1
A NIGHTMARE BY
STEVEN TILL
SHUFFLE copyright ©
2014 Steven Till.
All Rights Reserved.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
This is a work of fiction. Characters and events which appear
in this text have been derived purely from my imagination. Any similarities to
actual persons (living or dead) and events are purely coincidental and should
not be construed as fact or reality. Locations described within the story are
real places. Although I strive for authenticity and accuracy, some details may
have been altered to better support the story and experience.
This is always the hardest part of the writing process for
me. I mean, seriously, how am I going to name all the people who had a hand in
getting this novel out there in the world, when
everybody
I’ve
encountered during the past three and a half years has been nothing but
encouraging? I suppose that’s a good problem to have.
I would like to thank my parents Ron and Cheryl. They had the
most difficult job hands-down; they raised me, which was no easy task. I love
you both so very much. You taught me that determination and perseverance pay
off. Your love and support during the tumultuous times kept me going, and for
that, I am grateful.
I am also grateful for all of my friends and family who have
supported me throughout this journey. There are too many of you to list here,
but know that your tolerance, patience, understanding, and encouragement has
meant the world to me. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my
life.
Boundless thanks go out to my beta readers Jason Randle,
Melanie Tuck, and Kimberly Kiehne. Your input, thoughts, criticisms, comments,
and critiques have been invaluable. This book would be a big steamy pile of
dung without it. I have no doubt.
To the naysayers and iconoclasts who lacked faith that I
would complete this endeavor. Your negativity and doubt provided fuel to my
motivation. Thank you for driving me to prove you wrong.
I would be remiss to leave out those whom have planted in me the
seeds of passion for writing and horror. In one way or another, you have
inspired me to chase this crazy dream of mine and to share the stories in my
head, just as you have shared yours with me. Thank you Scott Sigler, J.A.
Konrath, Steve Alten, Clive Barker, Stephen King, Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and
George Romero.
Last, but certainly not least, I would like to extend my
gratitude to you, the reader. You have no idea how important you are. This is
an exciting and groundbreaking time for literature, as technology and the
Internet have all but toppled the elitist model of traditional publishing. Gone
are the days when only a handful of individuals are granted the privilege of
writing a novel. Now, anybody can have a voice. Anybody can share their story.
Thousands upon thousands of new worlds have opened up and are waiting to be
explored.
You have made a conscious decision to support independent
authors by choosing to read this book. By doing so, you have entered yourself
as an active participant in this “New World Order” of publishing. When you
purchase a book from an indie author, you aren’t just stroking their egos—you’re
putting food on their tables. You’re paying their mortgages and rent. You’re
putting their kids through college. Your hard-earned money isn’t going to
publishing house executives or the corporate machine. It goes to the people who
have poured everything they have into telling the stories that entertain you.
You now have the power to shape the landscape of today’s literature. When you encounter
a tale by an indie writer that you enjoy, tell your friends about it. Tell
everyone you know. Let them hear about your experience. Your word-of-mouth is
the best marketing engine in the world. By spreading the word about the works
you love, you allow us to continue to create. You are no longer “just a
consumer.” You are a partner. I am honored to call you a member of my team.
Thank you. I now invite you to sit back, pour yourself a tall glass of wine,
and enjoy this first nightmare of mine.
FOR AMANDA
My best friend.
DMITRI