LUCID Nightmare

By E. Clay

Clay Thompson is an American writer based in a small English town outside London, where he enjoys a comfortable lifestyle with Claire, a recent love interest. After years of enjoying good fortune, Clay experiences a calamitous setback that threatens his livelihood and even his new found relationship. Desperate to get his life back on track he seeks out a renowned local gypsy to “fix” his recent misfortune. Clay’s encounter pays dividends that exceed his expectations...at a price. Will Clay successfully navigate through this maze of a nightmare? Or will he find out...When you dance with the Devil, the music never ends.

A paranormal thriller Inspired by true events

• Language: English
• Publisher: E. Clay
• Release date: Jan 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9780997195477

E. Clay

Never in a million years did I ever think I would become a writer, or that I would find it so fullfilling and rewarding. If the test of a true passion is the love of its drudgery, then I am certifiably hooked. The entire writing experience is a joy.I created this webpage so you can follow my works and hear the latest news on my progress. I enjoy communicating with my readers and reviewers about my characters, my plots and most importanly my message. If you ask me a question, I will make every effort to respond in a timely manner.

Book preview

LUCID

Nightmare

A Novella by

– E. clay–

This book was inspired by true events, but names and some events have been changed to protect the privacy of those portrayed.

Lucid Nightmare

Copyright © E. Clay 2017

New Paradigm Publishers-All rights reserved

ISBN 978-0-9971954-4-6 (paperback)

ISBN 978-0-9971954-5-3 (eBook)

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by photocopying or any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from both the copyright owner and the publisher of the book.

Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Eyes Have It

Chapter 2: Indecent Proposal

Chapter 3: Paradigm Shift

Chapter 4: The Pleasure Principal

Chapter 5: Thief in the Night

Chapter 6: The Last House on the Left

Chapter 7: The Assessment

Chapter 8: The Fine Print

Chapter 9: The Harvest

Chapter 10: Immortal Combat

Author’s Corner

Prologue

Clay Thompson is an American writer based in a small English town outside London, where he enjoys a comfortable lifestyle with Claire, a recent love interest. After years of enjoying good fortune, Clay experiences a calamitous setback that threatens his livelihood and even his new found relationship. Desperate to get his life back on track he seeks out a renowned local gypsy to fix his recent misfortune. Clay’s encounter pays dividends that exceed his expectations...at a price. Will Clay successfully navigate through this maze of a nightmare? Or will he find out...

When you dance with the Devil, the music never ends.

Chapter 1: The Eyes Have It

November 5, 2017 10:30 a.m.

Radio Station HZR 104 FM, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Five, four, three, two, one!

It’s a quarter past the hour. I’m your host, Kill Bill, and with me is Clay Thompson, a local author. Good morning.

Good morning, Clay responded, semi relaxed.

Hmm, I detect an American accent. Tell our listeners where you’re from and how did you wind up here in the UK.

Originally, I’m from Detroit. I retired from the U.S Marines some years ago and found a job here in the U.K as a technical writer. Now, I’m a full time fiction writer for New Paradigm Publishers. I’m 55 now, so I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Well, I read your book, and I liked it."

Clay gave a sigh of relief. His shoulders dropped. Clay knew the radio host wasn’t one to pull punches on his critiques. Clay welcomed the opportunity for a lively discussion with someone that connected with his story.

Bill, I’m so glad you liked the book. I’m just hoping readers here in the UK and in the US will too, Clay responded as he leaned forward closer to the mic.

So, the story is set in Huntingdon. Did you know that Huntingdon is the most well-read town in all of the UK? asked the host.

I only recently found out as I was doing market research for the book. This story is a little dark; I just hope it’s not too dark.

Clay, what can you tell our listeners about your new book without revealing any spoilers?

Well, Bill, I would classify the book as paranormal. Through various characters in the book, we see a battle of spiritual warfare, a fight for one man’s soul. There’s also a budding romance that’s challenged by dark experiences; experiences that would weaken even the strongest of men and women.

Clay continued. The book explores the incredible impact of dreams on the human psyche and our everyday lives. I believe our dreams can reshape our thought processes during sleep, whether we recall them or not. Dreams really do matter.

Nightmares too? Bill interjected.

Most definitely, especially nightmares.

Hmm, the thought of waking up with a new way of thinking based on a dream that I couldn’t recall is kinda scary, don’t cha think?

I agree, but I can give you a real life example. A few years ago, I had a horrible personality conflict with my supervisor at work. It was awful. I saw her threat to my career and I’m sure she saw me in the same light. I lost several nights’ sleep and the issue completely mind hijacked my every thought.

"Well, I had a dream, a very realistic dream that I was at work drafting my resignation letter from my computer. As I was about to hit the send button, I got an instant message from Barbara, my nemesis, on our work chat.

"Clay, I’d really like it if we could reset our work relationship. It’s causing me too much grief and it’s affecting others here at the office. Let’s put our differences aside and work together. Wanna go for a coffee? My treat."

Bill, I felt such a tremendous weight lifted in that dream. I woke up happy with a smile on my face. My resentment had vanished. I couldn’t wait to go to work and engage her without the heavy baggage. I remember the conversation perfectly.

Good morning, Barbara. Did you do anything exciting over the weekend? I asked with a sincere smile.

Barbara looked around because she could not fathom that I was speaking to her in such a friendly tone. I then asked if I could treat her to a cup of her favorite caramel macchiato at the café downstairs. She accepted. From that moment on we started to repair our work relationship. I call her a friend now, something I could’ve never imagined before the dream. Dreams do matter.

Bill stoked his mustache. He appeared to appreciate Clay’s take.

Interesting. Very interesting. You may have a point there. Let’s shift gears for a second, and chat about the purpose of dreams. Dreams must serve some purpose other than entertainment for the subconscious during sleep. So what is your personal opinion?

There are a few schools of thought on the subject. One theory suggests dreams allow us to carry out risky behavior in a safe environment, to allow us to make better decisions without real life consequences. I personally believe I dream for two reasons. First, I would have to say problem solving. If I’m confused or unsure about an important decision, sometimes I dream about it to get better clarity.

So what’s the second purpose?

Delayed response.

My dreams serve as a portal, a gateway…

Bill glanced over at the flashing phone lines. "I think we have time to take a couple of questions from our listeners. Caller one, you’re