The Secret Path: Lost and Forgotten Book 2 by Maurice Barkley

6/25/2023

Multi-genre, multi-volume author, Maurice Barkley introduces us to the second volume in the Lost and Forgotten series, “The Secret Path”:
When on a mission to recover some stolen military grade hardware, retired Army Ranger, James Cagney and an elite team of FBI agents discover just how hidden, and just how shocking, the past can be.

An Egyptian tomb reveals an ancient secret.

A Nazi labyrinth hides a terrible power.

And a quest older than civilization sends James and his team on an incredible journey to somewhere very far away.

But what Mr. Cagney doesn’t know, is somebody has been there before them…

What a great story of the adventures of the ever-growing Dance band!
This story is so well written and the scope, indeed the series, is growing exponentially. I love science fiction and I love historical fiction, elements of the latter provide an interesting impetus and texture for the former. It is not often the two genres are combined in such an entertaining way.
The author excels at dialogue and action, scene setting and description are in measured quantities that complement the story so very well.
"The Secret Path" gets 4.8 stars from me.

You can buy this book:
https://www.goodreads.com/-the-secret-path
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/lost-and-forgotten-the secret-path
https://www.amazon.com/LOST-FORGOTTEN-Secret-Path-ebook

You can follow the author:
https://twitter.com/MauriceBarkley
https://www.facebook.com/Maurice Barkley

The author has many other books in multiple series.

My review of the first book in the series: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/lost-and-forgotten-discovery
My review of the third book: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/enigma
My review of the fourth book: www.wordrefiner.com/book-reviews/toward-the-unknown-region

teleportation, galaxies, Nazis, aliens, quest, adventure, AI, artificial intelligence, science fiction

Copyright @ 2023 Mark L. Schultz except for the author’s introduction.

40 Comments

Maurice Barkley

6/26/2023 03:22:27 pm

Looking forward to this interview.

Mark

6/26/2023 03:32:23 pm

Welcome back, Maurice. It is a pleasure and an honor to have you on the Word Refiner channel again.
I get a great deal of pleasure reading your books. You have this great adventure with some action, a little romance and a big dose of science fiction. I love the blend.

First questions.

I noticed that your book is in Kindle Unlimited. How is that working out for you?

Did you choose that exclusive venue or your publisher?

Maurice Barkley link

6/26/2023 04:12:01 pm

I must admit that promotion is not my strong point. It appears on the bottom of my talent list, but I have to be honest, otherwise this is of no value.
When I published the stories I selected Unlimited because it sounded good, not because I really understood the mechanics. So far it has worked well for my Sherlock Holmes series, but not so well for my SF offers. My hope is that by engaging reviews like this, the word will spread to reach the right audience. I write to please myself and my goal is to reach out to people like me. There have to be a lot of them out there somewhere.

6/26/2023 04:53:22 pm

Very few authors would list marketing and promoting their books as a favorite activity. Many would rather chew glass. But with more than a million books published each year it is necessary for an author to get their books in front of as many eyes as possible.

I am beginning to think Amazon has changed their policy for Kindle Unlimited. It used to be that they required an exclusive contract to place a book in that program, meaning that the book could not be available on any other platform and there are many platforms with books for sale. Your books are available on Goodreads which was bought by Amazon a few years ago and Barnes and Noble.
I tried checking both platforms and discovered Goodreads is down and Barnes and Noble is selling only a hardcover. Perhaps that is a workaround.

There are a lot of people out there, just like you. Keep at it and you will find them.

On my Twitter pages I have lists that can be found by clicking on the three dots under the banner picture. One of the lists is for book reviewers and another is for book promoters. That may help you get more exposure.

New questions.

Have you ever gone through the query process?

Were you seeking an agent or submitting directly to publishers and why did you choose that path?

6/26/2023 08:12:54 pm

My first serious attempt, around the turn of the century, was my first tree house book. I had seven little houses in my yard, all connected by rope bridges. One visitor encouraged me to write a book and gave me information on Sterling Publishing. I had many photos and vector drawings of the houses and bridges and so I put together a book, took it to Staples for a comb binding and sent it on. My good fortune was the fact that Sterling was looking for such a book for their catalogue. During development the Sterling editor called me a lyrical writer and that’s when I got busy.
I wrote a Memoir and sent queries to many agents—no luck at all. I then decided to write just for myself, something I would like to read. The result was book 1 of LOST AND FORGOTTEN. Again I queried many agents with no results, but I kept on writing.
Eventually I tossed in the towel and turned to Amazon. I guess I didn’t actually choose the path I took. Most of the gates were closed.

6/27/2023 08:46:32 am

Querying is very frustrating for all parties involved. Publishers and agents don't make any money unless a book sells well. They don't take chances on manuscripts that they think won't sell well anymore. Most authors are lucky to get one form letter of rejection from querying a dozen or more agents and publishers. The large majority of authors turn to Amazon just like you.

Memoires are a special market and seldom sell very many copies.

Writing something that you like to read was a very smart move.

New questions.

Did you seek specific help in formulating your query letters?

Did you use querytracker.net or some other website like that?

6/27/2023 04:50:30 pm

I quickly stopped seeking help formulating my query letters because I found that no one in my circle of friends of family was qualified or interested. I had no money to hire a professional. Based on my experience at that time, I can’t recommend turning to friends or family members for assistance. People were kind, but I could tell that they had zero confidence that I could be successful. They also lacked sufficient imagination.

I don’t know how things are today because my experience was 25 or 30 years ago when all of this on the web was fairly new. I was using Windows 3.1 for work groups (or 11- don’t remembr0. And it was dial up slow. Phony agents were abundant and it wouldn’t surprise me if I learned that they were still around. They promised a review and solicitation for free if one would only send them $450.00 for stamps, stationary, rubber bands, etc. I did try quite a few agents from various lists and read a lot of the advice, but it was all to no avail. I regret not having the funds to hire some professional help, but that is many gallons of water that have flowed under the bridge.

6/27/2023 05:26:29 pm

Lack of imagination is a big hinderance for people much of the time. Not consulting friends and family for technical matters is also a good idea. They make decent beta readers, even good ones if they read a lot.

Windows 3.1 and dial-up modems, what a slow and agonizing nightmare compared to the present.

Do not be surprised, phony agents are plentiful and still trying to empty our wallets. They are even imitating known people in the industry now and are without scruples at all. The nice ones only want your money, the evil ones want your money and your intellectual property rights.

New question.

When you decided to indie-publish how did you pick this publisher?

6/27/2023 08:45:10 pm

Oh boy, if this were an attempt to gather information for a biography it would lead one to ask, “How the heck did this guy ever get a single thing into the market place?” I have to think back for this and the history stored in my head goes back quite a way. I was twelve years old at the end of WWII. A neighbor across the street was a veteran of the Civil War. His name was Dan Williams and he did something with horses - that much I remember.
Anyway, thinking back I must have selected Create Space at or near the beginning of this century. At that time I was quite discouraged with my querying, but I could not avoid learning about on demand publishing. I read as much as I could find on line and since I had no qualified person to advise me, I chose that which looked good. I am still satisfied with my choice.

6/28/2023 06:58:38 am

That is an amazing historical connection that you knew a Civil War veteran!

Doing something the first time is always difficult and using CreateSpace was no exception, I am sure.

New question.

What is your publisher doing to market your book?

6/28/2023 09:52:16 pm

Once again I must rummage around in one of the memory trunks in the back of my head. I recall that when I first published I chose one of the giveaways because at that time there was a lot of chatter on the web about that sort of promotion. Quite a few did download a copy, but sales were negligible. Not one to admit defeat so soon, I tried it a couple more times and received the same results. It seemed to me that I was a very minor player in a very large game. I was competing against a host of other players and indeed I believe that was the case. I felt the same about the paid promotions offered and so did nothing.
Over the years Create Space and now Amazon have offered some programs that are probably worthwhile if one knows what one is doing. Sadly that is not me.
Eventually I hit upon a strategy that does not involve my publisher. It has helped a lot, but it has more to do with developing certain relationships rather than a direct sales effort.

6/29/2023 08:24:57 am

Amazon and probably the other sales platforms keep changing the rules. It takes time to do the due diligence necessary to stay on top of the changes. A lot of authors struggle with the same thing. There are a lot of blogs that have been written about the tricks necessary to succeed on Amazon.

Dave Chesson, at kindlepreneur.com, has been studying this stuff for a long time and he keeps coming up with new ideas. You might find his blog useful.

You have discovered what many authors have found, most publishers do very little to promote books beyond a listing on their website. Thier profit margins are so slim they can't afford to spend money that won't provide a positive return in the short term.

New question.

There are many unethical practices in publishing, which one is the most unbearable in your mind?

6/29/2023 08:41:25 pm

The worse for me was a person in the industry who should have immediately said no to my request, but for some reason kept stringing me along for several weeks, even though there was no reason to do so. This person seemed to agree with my questions and seemed to be acting upon them, but after many emails I realized the charade could go on indefinitely and so I quit. The no good *#$%@ of a $&*%@# did not even ask why or acknowledge me in any way.
I will remember this person’s name until the end of time. Perhaps, when I become rich and famous, this *#$%@ of a $&*%@# will approach me for a favor. If so, the game of string along will resume. (Perhaps I could work this into a story)

6/29/2023 08:51:38 pm

That certainly sounds strange! What an odd situation you found yourself in. You did the right thing by getting rid of that person.

New questions.

Is there a book that causes strong emotions to come up no matter how many times you read it?

Do you ever read a book more than once? If so, which one?

6/30/2023 03:25:28 pm

Again, to be honest, I must say that my emotions are easily fired by current events and that includes my reading habits. I’m sure many feel that this is a deficiency and perhaps it is, but nevertheless it’s been that way all my life and not likely to change, just like my tendency to write overly long sentences. (deal with it) My current lunch time read is A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, about an American spy in France during WWII. Although I am just finishing my first read—this one I will read again and again.
Next question: I have in my work room a shelf about 4 ft. long. The shelf contains a solid row of small paperbacks that display all the signs of age and use. The pages are browning, coffee stained, dog eared and the spines are cracked from many readings over many years. They are all of the NERO WOLFE novels by Rex Stout. He and AC Doyle are my favorites.

6/30/2023 03:56:29 pm

That sounds like a good book. Historical fiction is my third favorite genre right after science fiction and fantasy, first and second, respectively.

While I have not read either of those authors, I bet they are quite good as I have heard lots about them.

New question.

Has a book changed your mind about any particular topic?

6/30/2023 04:47:25 pm

SOMETHING OF VALUE by Robert Ruark. I was born when FDR became president and Hitler became chancellor. There was also a depression that affected everyone. To my young mind, at the time, there was little in the way of segregation in my small town in New York State, but it was there and it was natural to a kid born into it—natural until I left town. In 1954 I was drafted and sent south. At the combination Bus/Train station I saw a neon sign over a restroom door that said, “COLOREDS ONLY”. That was my first wakeup call. Thanks to President Truman I entered a desegregated Army and by the time of my discharge I was fully awake.
Later, in college, is where I read the book and this added to my education. The book did not change my mind, because my experience in the Army had already done the job, but it brought me a greater understanding.

6/30/2023 06:39:19 pm

Quite a momentous and tumultuous time. FDR left quite a legacy by desegregating the military.

Many years ago, I saw pictures of early Portland Oregon. It was segregated for a long time. There were many public water fountains, some for whites only and some for coloreds only. The exclusions came down and were replaced by blank white tiles.

New question.

Did you have a favorite book as a child?

6/30/2023 08:35:52 pm

You are testing my memory to the limits, but yes indeed, it was one of those big little books. I can’t remember the title. It was an action/adventure featuring a robot that looked like a collection of tin cans with a small propeller fastened to the top of its head. This particular story was set in a mountainous area somewhere in South America. There was a lot of jumping around. Even though I recall very little, I do know that I enjoyed it.

There was one other book along the same lines, It had no title because it was a collection of “Our Boarding House” single black & white comics that I cut from the daily paper and colored with my paint set. It was about 3 inches thick and bound, but I don’t recall just how I bound it. I wish I still had it, but when I was drafted into the Army I left my small bedroom as it was—I did not pack anything away, figuring I would return in 2 years and carry on as usual. However I did not count on my older brother (then out of the Army and back home). He cleaned my room and threw out 5 bushels of “JUNK” he said. “TREASURES” I said. We had words, but life goes on and here we are, remembering stuff. You won't learn much from this, but the price is right.

7/1/2023 08:56:57 am

Those are great memories! Writing books the children enjoy is a special talent.

I love that you made a book out of the cartoon panel series and colored them to boot. I think I read the same cartoon when I was young also. It is sad that those things disappeared, I experienced a similar loss.

New question.

Which of your books is your favorite, and why?

7/1/2023 04:01:23 pm

Years ago I decided to write only what I like to read and that creates a problem when trying to rank all of my efforts—and it’s a private thing. I never talk about it unless I am asked and I am glad that you asked. Until recently it was a tie between LOST AND FORGOTTEN book 1 Discovery and SHERLOCK HOLMES Book 1 Adventure in Casablanca. But now it is a WIP. Perhaps it could be my best work we shall see.
It began quite some time ago as a result of a daydream I had while waiting in a reception room. When I am in a situation like that, with nothing to occupy my mind, I can’t help but daydream. My eye fastened on a wall clock that reminded me of the clocks in my high school, back in the day. I began to visualize a little girl sitting in a classroom on the last day of school and began to build a story from that point. The result was a short story fantasy of just over 2K. I liked it, but what does one do with a 2K story? I had no plans for it and so I left it alone for perhaps a decade, but eventually something clicked and a novel appeared to me like the curtains of a theater opening on a new production. The novel will be a cross between Alice In Wonderland and Narnia. I don’t yet quite know the ending, but that’s the charm and wonder of creating something from nothing.

7/1/2023 04:55:03 pm

As a young boy, I loved Sherlock's brilliant mind and read many of the stories Doyle wrote about his hero. Though in an abridged form, I must admit. I also admired the acting skill of Rathbone in his portrayal of the fictional detective until Benedict Cumberbatch took the spotlight. I also liked Watson as played by Martin Freeman.

The Narnia series is a family and personal favorite and I have read several other books by C. S. Lewis, he was a prolific author. I particularly enjoyed his sci-fi series, "Out of The Silent Planet". His protagonist was patterned after his close friend and writing buddy, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.

I look forward to reading your WIP. Do you have a title in mind? Many authors do the same, they write the story to find out the end.

New question.

If you could ask every person, who has read one of your books, only one question what would you ask them?

7/1/2023 09:06:18 pm

First, the title of my fantasy short story is A PROPER WINDING. I’m sure that at some point it will change.
I have never actually asked anyone for a general opinion. Usually it’s a request regarding punctuation or some structural element. Since one reason I write is to be remembered, I think I am most curious to know if the book in question has left a lasting impression on the reader.

7/2/2023 08:22:15 am

That title has a nice ring to it. It also has a hint of steampunk. Another genre mashup I enjoy.

A lasting impression question is a good one and similar to the answers that many authors have given to that question. I think everyone wants to be remembered.

New question.

How do you handle bad reviews?

7/2/2023 03:06:52 pm

Okay, how do I handle bad reviews? Not well at all. If you don’t already, you should know I am a non-confrontational, Walter Mitty type introvert. When I first published LOST & FORGOTTEN book 1, I received only one bad review out of perhaps over 20. The reviewer also included a spoiler. I was ticked off Royally and Walter Mitty took over. I mentally imagined a wonderfully scorching response and even a meeting with the scoundrel. All of this was very soothing, but of course I did nothing of the sort, I did nothing at all and soon set the whole matter aside. This went on for a while and although I received very few low ratings, they did upset me and Mr. Mitty. I now have a solution—yes indeed. I ignore any bad reviews.

7/2/2023 04:05:03 pm

I am pretty similar to you. I don't like confrontation either. I think you did the right thing by not confronting the person who posted the lousy review. Nothing good would come from it if the person was trolling you. Quite a few trolls are out there and they seem to delight in causing authors anguish. The truth is a bad review validates the good reviews. It proves that the good reviews come from people other than members of your family.

New question.

Does writing have a spiritual or healing component for you, does it energize you or make you feel tired?

7/2/2023 06:14:48 pm

These questions don’t get any easier or less personal, but I don’t mind. It’s like Popeye the sailor who says, ”I yam what I yam and that’s what I yam.” I think perhaps there are elements of healing and spirituality for me in my writing. When I write, I am GOD ALL MIGHTY, KING OF THE UNIVERSE. Events occur as I decree and people behave as I wish. Since I write some SF I am more aware of things beyond our solar system. To contemplate the size and extent of our universe indeed boggles the mind, but in the end, all of this tires me not. I am not discouraged, but It does make me wonder.

7/2/2023 06:23:37 pm

Being the author does seem like all control is in your hands. Yet, many authors report that they lose control sometimes, the characters take the reins and start giving instructions to the author. Most authors listen to their characters and are glad they did.

The universe is quite mind boggling! The pictures we see from the James Webb space telescope defy description.

New question.

Why is it important for writers to tap into the emotions of the characters?

7/2/2023 08:49:14 pm

As the writing progresses, the characters become more real. It’s an automatic process for me. I can’t give them emotions; they reveal them as I write. I think this is vital. These people must be real to me in order for them to be real to the reader. Once these features are well established, the character or even the groups will guide me in determining the action. At times there are things involving the characters that stay with me long after the writing is finished and that’s okay. I know my explanation is a bit fuzzy, but I don’t often have a chance to talk about such things.

7/2/2023 08:59:51 pm

The realness or authenticity of the characters will be as real to the readers as they are to you. That is certainly the core of truth. I think it works the same for all writers also. The characters will fall as flat as a pancake if they are not fully fleshed out and relatable.

I recently saw a documentary about Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. He felt that superheroes with human problems would sell better and he proved to be right.

The fuzziness is okay. After voicing the thoughts the first time, like a first draft, the next time it will be easier.

New question.

Have you ever done NaNoWriMo, National November Writing Month?

7/3/2023 03:36:33 pm

Unfortunately, no. My mind simply does not work that way. (In collaboration with others). I am fortunate that I found an editor I can work with. This non-collaboration does not only apply to writing, but to most aspect of my life. I am very handy at plumbing, electrical and wood working, but I have to do it alone. The few time I have worked with others has resulted in disaster.

7/3/2023 05:56:21 pm

There is no collaboration involved with NaNoWriMo. It is merely you against the clock and word count. The contest is an informal opportunity to reach a goal of 50,000 words of a first draft. Many writers join virtual groups for mutual encouragement and camaraderie. Some groups offer prizes through a random drawing to finishers. Some authors use the opportunity to work on a new idea or take a break from their WIP. Authors who are plotters develop outlines, character bibles and do as much research as they can before November first.

New questions.

Are you an under-writer or an over-writer?

When the first draft is done, do you need to add more to it to flesh it out or do you have to cut material because there is too much?

7/3/2023 06:29:54 pm

Definitely an over-writer. My editor had me cut over 40K from the first draft of book 1. I was more careful after that. I tend to add more detail and bring in side issues that interest me, but are not relevant to the story-that's what I'm told.

7/3/2023 07:37:54 pm

You are not the only over-writer out there. I think most authors fit in that category based on the responses I have received in my interviews. If I was a writer, I am certain I would land right in the middle of the category with you.

New questions.

Did you cut mostly descriptions, action, dialogue or whole chapters?

Did you save the parts that didn't make it into the final version?

7/3/2023 08:06:53 pm

Only once was it a whole chapter that added nothing to the plot. I tend to worry about people moving from one place to another. I might add something along the way. I also consider mentioning things that occur daily to everyone, like stopping for lunch. I don’t have much of a problem with dialogue because I can visualize whole scenes with full color and audio. I haven’t yet figured out smell and taste
If I have major revisions I do a save as and keep the original. I begin each version with a number, 01, 02, 03, etc. so that I have a record for reference..

7/4/2023 10:12:21 am

That is pretty good! Bits and pieces most of the time are not too bad.

If I wrote I would save versions also.

Last questions.

Have you ever used yourself as a starting point for a character in a story?

Would family or friends recognize you in the story?

7/4/2023 03:49:40 pm

T[me for honesty again. The James Cagney character in My SF novels is not me, but the man I would like to be. This is okay because either I have the freedom to write anything or I do not. For me there is no middle ground.
I think anyone who knows me would not associate me with James Cagney. I would just as soon leave it that way. I think for most of us it’s better to keep family and friends separate from our work.

7/4/2023 04:36:50 pm

There are noble people who have influence on those around them and sometimes those who come after. I think it's admirable to seek to emulate noble qualities and those who represent those qualities well.

An author told me about a family member who was thrilled to be the inspiration for a character in his book until she didn't like what the character did. She said, "She would never do that, herself." Things were frosty for a while. I suppose the lesson is to don't tell family or friends when you use some aspect of their life as a pattern for a character. And make sure they won't recognize themselves or another person in your book.

I have enjoyed talking about your writing and publishing journey. Thank you for being a guest on the Word Refiner channel.

Until next time, keep on writing.

Craig Crawford

1/4/2024 11:49:14 am

I read the blurb on your series (and now the interview) and this sounds like it's right up my alley for reading. Am buying the first book and I will review when I get it read!

-Craig

1/4/2024 12:18:50 pm

That's great, Craig! I have no doubt you will enjoy the book and the series.

The Secret Path: Lost and Forgotten Book 2 by Maurice Barkley

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