Debut Novelist Publishes Novella Exclusively as an E-Book

Phillip Thomas Duck, author of contemporary African-American fiction, offers a free ebook and excerpt from his debut novel with BET Books on his website. Playing with Destiny will be released by BET Books in April.

Tinton Falls, NJ (PRWEB) January 6, 2005 -- Phillip Thomas Duck, author of contemporary African-American fiction, announced today that a free E-Book download of an original novella is available at his website. In addition to the free download, the website offers an excerpt and synopsis of the authors debut novel "Playing with Destiny", which will be published by BET Books in April.

The free E-book, "Excuse Me Miss", chronicles the story of Vicki Hayes, a sexy decoy working for a private investigations firm. Her job is to test the fidelity of married men whose wives suspect them of cheating. Vicki herself lays down the perils of her work in the first line of the novella as she informs, When I decided to try this, it never crossed my mind that I might fall in love with one of the married men, or that one of them would try to kill me."

Margaret Johnson-Hodge, national bestselling author of TRUE LIES remarks, "Excuse Me Miss" is a flawlessly smooth, delicious read. Full of twists and turns and to-the-bone authenticity. A tale that will make you hungry for more."

High praise. So why give it away for free?

Im an avid reader in addition to being a writer," Duck states. So I fully understand the financial strain it can be to continually purchase books. I wanted to give something back. I didnt take any short cuts with the writing either. Its a strong story that readers will enjoy, I believe."

Phillip Thomas Ducks short stories have appeared in several anthologies. Most notably, Twilight Moods (Flowers in Bloom '02), Proverbs for the People (Kensington '03), and Intimacy (Plume 04).

The short stories offered me the opportunity for much needed exposure," Duck declares. And yet Im not sure enough people are familiar with my writings. With my debut novel coming out in a few months I want to give the hesitant reader a chance to sample the goods first. Im very proud of "Excuse Me Miss". Its a good representation of how I write."

Target Market News, a research and information company specializing in black consumer spending, estimated African-American book purchases were in excess of $300 million dollars in 2003.

Our community is buying books in droves," Duck notes. Its about time an author offered those supportive and avid readers a real value read. I decided to take up that cause."

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