L L Watkin

Biography

LL Watkin is the pen name for writing partnership Liz Smith and Louise Smith, two sisters from the North of England who've been writing together since, well, forever. We write a mixture of short stories and full length novels in the science fiction and fantasy genres, and while some stories may be more Louise's and others more Liz's, all spring from a collaborative process.

In summer 2022 we will publish our new four part novel series, The Snowglobe, which is a double-stranded narrative set in a multi-dimensional universe. It concerns a criminal investigation by Divine Law Enforcement (DLE), which aims to locate and arrest a psychotic demi-god, Kaelvan, who is determined to murder a specific human child. Although the plot includes fantastical elements, most often ESP and telekinesis, the settings are all post-industrial societies, some of them more technologically advanced than our own and others steam-punk in feel.

Smashwords Interview

Which one are you?
Since this is a joint authorship, I take this opportunity to point out that this is Louise. We may be identical twins, but Liz's answers would definitely be different to mine. This is good in a writing partnership. If we never disagreed our collective work would be much the poorer.
What do you read for pleasure?
I'm trying to catch up on my classic sci-fi right now with Slaughterhouse 5 and The Handmaiden's Tale. I've also got a long list of 19th century classics on my to-do list. I never seem to get round to it somehow. The next Marvel comic collection comes out, or there's a new YA fantasy at the cinema which I can't go see without reading the book first... I'm a trend-follower.
Read more of this interview.

Series

Eli Jones
Strange things are happening around Eli Jones. The ghost of his sister still haunts the family fourteen years after she disappeared, and now objects have started moving by themselves. There are dangerous strangers lurking in the shadows, some ready to help and others to harm. In the isolated Scottish glens lies a grand manor house, waiting for the right moment to introduce Eli to his destiny. But is it a fate he wants any part of?
The Ghostly Manor
Price: $4.99 USD.
Trickster's Valley
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Snowglobe
The Snowglobe is a double-stranded four novel series set in a multi-dimensional universe. It concerns a criminal investigation by Divine Law Enforcement (DLE), which aims to locate and arrest a psychotic demi-god, Kaelvan, who is determined to murder a specific human child. Although the plot includes fantastical elements, most often ESP and telekinesis, the settings are all post-industrial societies, some of them more technologically advanced than our own and others steam-punk in feel.
The Iron Sands
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Golden City
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Brass Gears
Price: $4.99 USD.
The Crystal Tower
Price: $4.99 USD.
LL Watkin Stories
The Harpers
Price: $0.99 USD.
Neon Lights
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Siege
Price: $0.99 USD.
McGellen
Price: $0.99 USD.
The Blessed
Price: $0.99 USD.
Leviathan
Jethabel
Price: $4.99 USD.
Therion
Price: $4.99 USD.
Pathiel
Price: $4.99 USD.

Books

Trickster's Valley
Series: Eli Jones, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 89,720. Language: British English. Published: July 23, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
Strange things are happening around Eli Jones. . There are dangerous strangers lurking in the shadows, some ready to help and others to harm. In the isolated Scottish glens lies a grand manor house, waiting for the right moment to introduce Eli to his destiny. But is it a fate he wants any part of?
The Ghostly Manor
Series: Eli Jones, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 94,960. Language: British English. Published: July 23, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
Strange things are happening around Eli Jones. The ghost of his sister still haunts the family fourteen years after she disappeared, and now objects have started moving by themselves. In the isolated Scottish glens lies a grand manor house, waiting for the right moment to introduce Eli to his destiny. But is it a fate he wants any part of?
The Witch Shrink & other stories
Series: LL Watkin Collections, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 57,520. Language: British English. Published: July 23, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
A collection of thirteen fantasy, science fiction and horror stories. With tales ranging from were-wolves to dystopian terror plots, the collection includes the stories “The Witch Shrink”, “Under the Bridge”, “Colonial Plagues”, “The Third Wheel”, “A Summer Night in Sweden” and “The Boy with the Unicorn”
The Temple in the Mountains
Series: The Handmaiden, Book 4. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 86,670. Language: British English. Published: July 10, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Science fiction » Adventure
(4.00 from 1 review)
Keldaren just wanted an easy life. A job where the boss wouldn’t scream if she was five minutes late. A nice boyfriend. Treasure worth a not so small fortune. To go a week without a bomb going off in her near vicinity. Was that so much to ask?
The Brass Gears
Series: The Snowglobe, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 108,340. Language: British English. Published: July 8, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(3.00 from 1 review)
Gemma Nickel is on the case, using her talents as a seer to lead Divine Law Enforcement to the would-be assassins. If she can arrange it around her betrothal celebrations, that is.
The Crystal Tower
Series: The Snowglobe, Book 4. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 103,590. Language: British English. Published: July 8, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.00 from 1 review)
With Baerin’s hiding place now revealed and the hunters closing in, it will take everyone working together to safe the child, and the Snowglobe itself.
The Golden City
Series: The Snowglobe, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 132,410. Language: British English. Published: July 8, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(3.00 from 1 review)
Having fled from Beacon pursued by those who would hurt his son, Mark finds himself travelling upriver towards the city of Caramandria. But the mage king who rules there is interested in Baerin for his own reasons, and there is little promise of safety.
The Iron Sands
Series: The Snowglobe, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 118,990. Language: British English. Published: July 8, 2022. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.00 from 1 review)
It started again when Baerin was reborn. Every time he is reborn, the same forces gather, to end this life with ruthless efficiency. But first they must find the child, and he and his family have been hidden so well not even they know where they are.
A Boy with a Unicorn
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,520. Language: English. Published: October 2, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
(1.00 from 1 review)
Mary joined Lydia at the window. William was riding out of the gates, messy as always. Neyleia was looking splendid, her horn shining brightly against the gloomy day. “Off to see another doxy, no doubt,” his mother muttered sourly. “No doubt.” Mary looked again at the unicorn. Clearly no-one else saw the same thing she did. Either she was mad, or he was much more special than he looked.
A Summer Night In Sweden
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,750. Language: English. Published: August 14, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Horror » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Urban
(4.00 from 2 reviews)
Winter is freeing, and fun, and glorious. On the long nights when I’m able to stretch my legs and stalk for miles across a frozen world life feels worthwhile again. Frost settles on my flanks, my back, turning the dull white fur to sparkling moonlight. Making me beautiful. Summer though, summer is day after day of trapped in this skinny human frame. I hate summer.
A Third Wheel
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,470. Language: English. Published: June 26, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
A rare break in the ever-present storm caught Miko’s breath. For a moment the air cleared and she could make out the blue sky unbelievably far above her. She snapped a picture because otherwise Pasha would never believe her. Her grin faded. What was that cloud? Rising high above the others like a hideous grey mushroom, it chilled her heart. Was that normal?
Colonial Plagues
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,380. Language: British English. Published: May 15, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
It’s been years since Missra was executed for her treason and her soul bound in service to the Goddess she hates. There aren’t many compensations, but being the most powerful magical healer of her generation gets her out of the box occasionally, and colonists do catch the most entertaining diseases.
The Witch Shrink
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 9,600. Language: English. Published: March 27, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
Their hour was almost up and Heather had spent most of it at the window, facing outward. Dr Schever didn’t interrupt and didn’t push, but the pressure of her unspoken questions was preying on Heather’s mind. She couldn’t tell the doctor what she really was and certainly not why she was really there. The shrink would not approve of either.
The Cathedral In The Void
Series: The Handmaiden, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 81,610. Language: British English. Published: March 6, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(4.00 from 1 review)
Keldaren had been born on Theril, dragged herself up there, made friends, made money, and lost both. It was beautiful, but she wasn’t sure that it would be home much longer. Regardless of the titles, the money and the designer wardrobe, there were only so many murders, plots and accidents a girl could take before she was forced out of town. The third book in the Handmaiden series.
Under the Bridge
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,350. Language: British English. Published: February 13, 2015. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
(3.00 from 1 review)
Cath was too old to be terrified by the prospect of a blind date. Considering your options while unable to sleep at two o clock in the morning didn’t mean you were scared. He was some kind of supernatural, her mother promised, which should make for interesting conversation. Honestly, how bad could it be?
The Drowned Leviathan and Other Stories
Series: LL Watkin Collections, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 56,190. Language: English. Published: December 9, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
A collection of twelve fantasy, science fiction and horror stories originally published as independent ebooks or in society magazines. With tales ranging from ghost stories to hi-tech warcraft, the collection includes the stories “The Drowned Leviathan”, “Love in the Dawn”, “Forgetting”, “Mesrin Station”, “The Boy in Blue”, “Stealing Salt” and “A funny thing happened on the way to the Festival”.
Forgetting
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,600. Language: English. Published: September 19, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
It was a perfect security system. The ship would only answer to one person and that could not be over-ruled. Perfect for a mission of scientific research, but not so great when the ship is under attack and that one person makes a fatal mistake.
Stealing Salt
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,730. Language: English. Published: August 8, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
(5.00 from 1 review)
The salt traced an almost perfect circle on the flagstones of the barn the symbols drawn around it looked suitably occult. The summoning ritual was forbidden, of course, but Tim could not let his sister go. Not without making sure she was alright on the other side and that he was forgiven. If he was forgiven. If he wasn’t… He might have to steal more salt.
Pathiel
Series: Leviathan, Book 3. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 81,890. Language: English. Published: July 11, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
(4.00 from 1 review)
No one ever attacks the deep border. It’s too distant, too poor and too boring to bother with. When ships do go missing there it’s a difficult operation to find them again and its rarely good news. Someone has to make an attempt, however, and, as the largest civilian vessel in the Alliance, it’s Jethabel’s task to try.
The Boy in Blue
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 6,580. Language: British English. Published: June 27, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
Half-gods are supposed to be heroes, the kings of legend and the doers of great deeds. Unfortunately, Daenan, despite his semi-divinity, is still just a boy and for him it isn’t going to be so easy to win the Games and succeed to his step-father’s throne. He will need all of his tricks, lies and bargains if he’s going to make it. He might even (whisper it) have to cheat.
The Drowned Leviathan
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,550. Language: English. Published: May 17, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Science fiction » General
Emma's just won salesman of the month and what does her manager do? Reminds her that she’s legally obliged to take vacation. Which is how she wound up here, in a beach resort which was sold to her as the most relaxing (i.e. boring) place to go. Lying travel agent. Why couldn’t they have said “Go here and get crashed into by a falling alien spaceship?”, then she’d have gone somewhere else!
The Chapel In The Wasteland
Series: The Handmaiden, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 83,560. Language: British English. Published: April 8, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(3.00 from 1 review)
Being a Handmaiden of the Goddess is a job with many perks. Keldaren had always dreamed of a life like this. Well, a life like this except for the constant threat of execution, the fear of assassination, the dread that the Goddess possibly has something nastier in store for her and the knowledge that her best friend certainly has underhanded surprises up her ghostly sleeves.
Love in the Dawn
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,060. Language: English. Published: March 30, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
A Shifter can be anyone you want them to be, in both body and mind, if you can afford the price – or at least they can pretend to be for a night. Most men are content to be seduced by the lie, but Huren wants the truth. For what he has planned, he’s going to need a Shifter he can trust.
Mesrin Station
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,670. Language: English. Published: February 21, 2014. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
Eben had lost crew before. They skipped out at any space port. Normally they were easily replaced, but Jan was different. He was smarter, wiser and holding on to some of the most valuable merchandise Eben had ever managed to steal. He wouldn’t run. He was, however, definitely missing and getting him back was not going to be easy.
The Harpers and Other Stories
Series: LL Watkin Collections, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 58,650. Language: English. Published: December 20, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories, Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories
A collection of sixteen fantasy, science fiction and horror stories originally published in a fantasy society magazine.
Faith
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 7,320. Language: English. Published: November 29, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
Halan had always been told he was an angel, sent by the Gods to defend humanity from one particular demon - his brother Hadon. When they were children, this was easy enough to believe, but now they are almost grown his mind breeds doubts. It is time to choose between faith in the Gods, and love of his brother, and both their lives lie in the balance.
The Faeries
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,900. Language: English. Published: November 2, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Horror » General, Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
(4.33 from 3 reviews)
Her memories of the day before were scant, but vivid enough that fear had already settled in the pit of her stomach. She had heard music. Her father had not. She had followed after the music. He had screamed at her to stop. Helplessly. No one ever said Faeries were nice.
The Blessed
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 2,660. Language: English. Published: October 5, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Horror » Undead
(5.00 from 1 review)
Marli was special. She was chosen to defend the faithful from the vampire pestilence. She had trained almost a year and she was ready, even if her teachers thought she wasn't. Besides, he was alone, hiding. Even his coven leader had no faith in him. It would be an easy kill.
McGellen
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,340. Language: English. Published: September 6, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
The crew were the best of humanity, supplied with the most sophisticated ship and sent off to find new technology to aid the war effort. McGellen herself was a mere add-on, “Test this new computer while you’re out there, kill two birds with one stone. Makes the whole thing more palatable to the paying public.” More palatable it may be, but not less risky.
Therion
Series: Leviathan, Book 2. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 84,450. Language: English. Published: July 22, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
(4.00 from 1 review)
Book 2 of the Leviathan series. Shauna Murray has too many Tren in her sights. Commander of small, swift ambush ship Therion, she is deep in Tren space plundering supply convoys when she receives news of the Alliance fleet’s defeat and orders to retreat to the core worlds. Outnumbered and outgunned, escape won’t be easy but she has no choice but to try.
The Siege
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,970. Language: British English. Published: June 28, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Science fiction » Military
Andy hadn’t wanted to be a soldier, but there was a war on and no one got a choice anymore. Like everyone else he was shipped off and lined up on an alien world, to stand his ground between the unstoppable guns and the impenetrable shields. Battles are unpredictable things, however, and a poor conscript might get lucky. Or die trying.
Neon Lights
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 4,390. Language: British English. Published: May 31, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Horror » Undead, Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal
William has spent a century watching the city light up gradually around him as he hunted, not a bad occupation for a vampire all told, but a lonely one. Now the time is finally here for him to make the perfect partner, one who will dazzle their human prey even as she consumes them. His design has been long in the planning, which makes it a shame he didn't stop to ask her first.
The Harpers
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 8,770. Language: British English. Published: May 3, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
(5.00 from 1 review)
The Lady of the Keep did not return to her people in the spring. The Lord reports that she is ill, too ill to even write. There is an heir, or so the Lord claims at court, but no one has ever seen him. No one brave enough to tell the tale, anyway. The Lord commands dangerous magics and keeps many secrets, but his Lady's people are powerful too and they are coming for answers.
Jethabel
Series: Leviathan, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 88,680. Language: English. Published: April 16, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Space opera
(4.67 from 3 reviews)
Book 1 of the Leviathan series. Captain David Arman is worried. The fleet is falling back (again) and leaving Sheraton port to the hands of the Tren armada. To salvage his reputation he needs to go down fighting, but his orders are to take as many refugees as will fit on board and run. He will find himself questioning his loyalties and struggling to stay alive.
The Abbey at the World's End
Series: The Handmaiden, Book 1. Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 90,080. Language: British English. Published: April 16, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Paranormal, Fiction » Science fiction » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
Keldaren just wanted an easy life. A job where the boss wouldn’t scream if she was five minutes late. A nice boyfriend. Treasure worth a not so small fortune. To go a week without a bomb going off in her near vicinity. Was that so much to ask? Unfortunately, when your best friend is a three thousand year old ghost with a chip on her insubstantial shoulders, it might be.
A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Festival
Series: LL Watkin Stories. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 11,840. Language: British English. Published: April 13, 2013. Categories: Fiction » Science fiction » Short stories, Fiction » Fantasy » Short stories
The festival always brings crowds of tourists to Abatha, thronging the streets with their holier than thou attitude and easy to steal purses. Keldaren is about to find out the hard way that they're not all as harmless as she thinks.

L L Watkin's tag cloud

adventure    alien    aliens    artificial intelligence    disaster    empathy    faeries    fantasy    firebird    games    ghost    ghosthauntingfantasyspell    ghosts    god    horror    humour    leviathan    magic    magic school    multiverse    mystery    paranormal    phoenix    romance    sci fi    science fiction    scifi    shapeshifter    shifter shapeshifter rebel    short story    slayer    snowglobe    space    space exploration    spaceship    spaceship adventure    spaceships    spy    steampunk    steampunk sf    storm chaser    telekenisis    telekinesis    telepathy    tricks    twins    undead    unicorn    vampire    vigilante    war    werebear    werewolf    witch    witches    wizard    ya    young adult