A. Craig Newman is a New Jersey native who has been writing since he was 10. He recently received his Masters in Creative writing from Wilkes University. Craig plans to work on his backlog of story ideas for short stories, screenplays, stage plays, and poetry until he finds his voice and his place in the writing world.
Over the course of a few short days in 1875, an ex-slave named Jefferson inherits his former owner’s estate and is told by a Native American tribe that he may be The Falcon, a legendary hero from ancient prophecy. He goes from being poor to exceptionally rich. Suddenly, he is a man of tremendous influence matched only by the responsibility he bears as the leader of a close-knit community of ex-slaves known as The Family and now the tribe following its mythic figure. But for 20 years, he has hidden from everyone that he is a liar and a murderer. To lead well, Jefferson must learn a hard and simple truth: A good person is still a good person, even if they have done a bad thing. If he does not learn, he will be unable to lead or protect his loved ones as the attempts to take his life and fortune put everyone in peril.
Lines are draw and everyone chooses sides. Vega gathers men with fear and hatred. The Family and The Black Leaf Tribe come together out of necessity. They stay together working as one with the leadership of a legend: The Falcon.
The attempts to kill Jefferson continue, putting everyone dear to him in danger. Betrayal reveals who can truly be trusted. The fighting spirits within Aaron, Jefferson, and Jevic are put to the test. But theirs are not the only spirits fighting for the cause. In the Black Leaf Forest, friends and enemies abound, in this life and the next.
Eliza was only coming to Jasper, Florida to get married. Encounters with ghosts and taking up a mission were not in her plan. But life - and afterlife - can be funny. Plans change. She adapts and follows her heart. Her spirit. The spirit. The spirit that is pulling her back into the Black Leaf Forest.....
Poised to become the region's richest and most powerful man, Vega promises Beaumont special favor in exchange for murdering Jefferson and Jevic. Beaumont and friends take up the task, leading to a night of death, bloodshed, and terror. A stranger arrives at the plantation on a mission to learn about the Pritchers.
When Chauncey's will is read, the wills of everyone involved are tested. Lines are drawn, sides are chosen, and war is declared. The first casualties of war have been selected: Jefferson and Jevic
Death changes the world for friends and family in unpredictable ways. While brothers honor a fallen member's last wishes, a family crumbles under the weight of their grief. Jefferson holds them together with his last shreds of hope. But how long can this last? Meanwhile, Aaron's search for the Falcon brings him to Jasper. When he runs into trouble that could turn deadly, he meets a good man.
"The good man is haunted by the life he takes." In the Black Leaf Forest, the end of life is the beginning of the story. One day, Jefferson, Aaron White Hawk, and Chauncey Pritcher will hold the fate of hundreds in their hands. Here is the beginning of their stories. Three deaths that will change everything.
Celeste brings Monty home to her small farming town. On a bright Sunday morning, the church doors are open, but they hide some very big secrets. There is no success without sacrifice, but how much is too much?
Beauty may be in the eyes of the beholder, but Tamara has never been able to see it in herself. An encounter with an artist at a gallery and a debate over his work helps change her point of view.
Four stories of sex, madness, magic and murder.
Circe's Music Shop: An ancient sorceress meets modern gangster, leaving one changed forever.
Randall's Visit: A therapy appointment forces a killer to face his sins repeatedly.
Archer Nash: A simple drive after work helps Archer cope with recent losses.
Dierste Hamelin and the Pied Piper: He got rid of the Mouse. Now, she has to pay.
A lonely, heart-broken man's world is afire. With the right drug, it freezes solid. In this drug-addled state, he goes home to confront the man who has taken his life.
Dierste Hamelin is a backstabbing adulteress working a plan to cure all her problems. Weak men and poverty will be a thing of the past for her. But when the piper comes calling, will she be able to pay his price?
​Behind this Utopian façade, prying eyes are everywhere. A couple found guilty of loving each other face their punishments. Take one pill and then last one week. Even such small prices can be too much when one must pay with their soul.