This book promotional event is through my collaboration with Author Marketing Experts.
Marc McKnight book amplifier tour includes a guest post and Q & A with the author.
Book Details
In the Marc McKnight Time Travel Adventures series, Kim Megahee masterfully fuses science
fiction and human drama into a story that transcends time — and reminds us that every choice
carries a cost.
Captain Marc McKnight has always believed in order, in cause and effect — until time travel
proves that neither can be controlled. In Time Limits, a mission meant to quietly observe the
past leads him into an alternate reality born of emotion. In The Time Twisters, McKnight
confronts a conspiracy that threatens the very foundation of democracy. Time Revolution
catapults him into the future’s darkest hour, where rebellion and tyranny are indistinguishable.
And in Time Plague, McKnight faces an adversary who mirrors his own obsession — a brilliant,
dangerous operative willing to rewrite history to save the man she loves. Together, the novels
chart McKnight’s transformation from loyal soldier to weary guardian of time itself — a man
haunted by what he’s lost, and unwilling to surrender what remains.
An Excerpt from Chapter 2 of TIME LIMITS
by Kim Megahee
A few minutes later, they were on a path in a pine forest. A light breeze eased the heat of the Georgia sun and the pines whispered to them as they walked further into the woods.
McKnight glanced back in the direction they had come, then at the trail ahead. There was no one in sight. He pulled a form and a pen from his pocket and handed them to Tyler.
“First, the paperwork, Lieutenant. What I’m about to tell you is top secret and cannot be shared with unauthorized personnel, regardless of whether you accept the assignment. Is that understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good. Sign the paper.”
Tyler signed and handed it back.
“Very good. Lieutenant, they’ve asked me to assemble a team to plan and execute missions using a new technology. The size of the team is fewer than ten, including two civilian scientists. I’d like you to be my exec for operations. I need a mission planner with leadership ability, and you’re it. The rest of the team’s still under construction, except for one scientist. We’ll be reporting to General Drake with oversight from Senator Lodge.”
“Working for the Dragon would be good. Oversight from Lodge?
That’s not so good. He’s my Senator, but I didn’t vote for him. He’s a damned crocodile. I don’t trust him.”
“Lodge is the General’s problem. We’re the grunts. Our job is to execute.”
“So, what’ll we be doing?”
“The team is being called the HERO Project.”
Tyler rolled his eyes.
“Yeah, I know. Stay with me, Lieutenant. HERO stands for Historical Event Research Organization. In a nutshell, we’re going to be researching and validating historical events. Here, let’s take a load off.”
They sat on a wood bench alongside the running trail. McKnight looked across the path at a dogwood in full bloom and a bank of azaleas in unrestrained spring glory. Bumblebees hummed in and around the flowers.
“If you’re trying to sell me on how exciting the project will be, you’re failing miserably. Sounds like we’d be spending the next few years in the library and on the net, writing papers. Doesn’t sound like fun to me. Is there something I’m missing here?”
A thin smile formed on McKnight’s face. “Well, Lieutenant, I daresay we’ll be doing paperwork. I didn’t mention libraries or the net.”
Tyler scrunched up his face. “Then how? No library, no net.
Where’s that leave us? Interviewing elderly witnesses?”
McKnight shook his head, waiting for Tyler to make the leap.
Tyler sat on the bench, his elbows on his knees, his hands clasped together and his head down. After a moment, he looked at McKnight.
“You can’t be suggesting what I’m thinking.”
He’s getting there. “And what is that, Lieutenant?”
“Nope. I’m not going to say it. I must be missing something.” He paused. “All right. How do we witness an event in the past? We don’t have the technology to…. Wait, you mentioned a new technology, didn’t you?”
“I did.” McKnight allowed himself a little smile. One last hint.
“You took physics at the Point, right?”
“What? Of course.”
“Um-hmm.”
Tyler stared at him. His eyes narrowed and darted around. He resumed the position with his elbows on his knees and his eyes on the ground.
“Who’s the scientist?” he said without looking up.
“Robert Astalos. He does research at MIT–”
“I’m familiar with him. I read a white paper he and his family wrote last year about interstellar propulsion. Son and grandson, I believe, all with the same name. Let’s see… Einstein related speeds close to the speed of light with time slowing down. Nobody has proved that wrong. And gravity is not a force, but a distortion of time-space. Everitt validated that.” Tyler sat up straight and looked McKnight in the eye. “Astalos invented time travel?”
Bingo. “Well, I’ll let him share the specifics with you, but that’s the bottom line. Interested, Lieutenant?”
“Are you kidding? Who wouldn’t be? Anything else you want to tell me? Do we have aliens in Area 51?”
McKnight laughed. “Not that I know of. Want the rest of the details, Lieutenant?”
“Yes, sir. You bet I do.”
“I thought you might. Here’s the short form. We’ll operate out of the DC area. Only a few people know about this. The charter for the HERO Team is strictly research. We’re forbidden to do anything that
might affect history. There’s a mandatory risk/benefit analysis and research period required before traveling to make sure we cover the bases. No options, no exceptions, unless the President issues an
Executive Order to bypass the process.
“The other civilian on the team will be another planner, your civilian counterpart. He or she hasn’t been picked yet. The General’s reserved the right to pick that person. You and I get no say,” McKnight said, holding up his hand to cut off any objection. “We need a shitload of testing before we can do any work. We don’t know enough about the technology yet. Questions?”
“Ha! Only a few hundred. This is supposed to be secret? Nobody outside the organization knows about it?”
“Well, for as long as that lasts. Congress is involved, right?”
“Yeah. I’m surprised the word isn’t out already.”
McKnight shrugged. “The day is young. But yes, until we hear otherwise from the General, the project doesn’t exist and we’re working on special projects for Colonel Stewart.”
“Okay. Why do we need the civilian planner?” Tyler asked.
“The official word is to balance the team. I suspect it’s because Congress doesn’t trust the military. I assume it’ll be an egghead guy with serious credentials and no government ties. Drake wants someone with no agenda.”
“Got it. Do you have anyone else in mind for the team?”
“I do,” McKnight said. He pulled a folded piece of paper from his breast pocket and handed it to Tyler. “What do you think?”
“Lieutenant Mitch Wheeler. From North Georgia College, right? Good pick. Has a degree in physics if I remember correctly.”
“Yep. That one was easy. And his buddy Hatcher, too.”
“Yes, sir. Should be a good team.” Tyler handed the list back.
“Glad you approve.” McKnight checked the time on his phone. “I need to go catch a plane, Lieutenant. Transition your work ASAP and report to me in DC Monday week. Questions?”
“Yes, sir, but they can wait until next week.”
“Very good. I have two more instructions for you.” He stood and Tyler followed.
“What’s that, sir?”
McKnight smiled at his new executive officer. “Number one, don’t bring any preconceptions about time travel with you. Doctor Astalos says most of what the science fiction writers came up with was wrong.”
“And number two?”
“The other two Robert Astalos’s? The men that coauthored that paper?”
“Yes?”
“They aren’t his son and grandson. They’re all him. They call themselves Robert, Rob and Robby, but they’re all the same guy.”
Author Details
Kim Megahee’s stories come from a place of reflection — shaped by a lifetime of teaching,
coding, and asking questions about how we change the world around us. His background in
mathematics and programming gives his fiction structure and authenticity, but his heart as an
educator brings warmth and compassion to even the most technical premise. Now retired, Kim
writes full-time from Gainesville, Georgia, with the support of his wife, Martha, and the constant
company of their toy poodle, Leo. Learn more on his website, or connect through Instagram and
Facebook.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KZZylK
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/series/290364-marc-mcknight-time-travel-adventures
(only shows first two)
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55232538-time-revolution
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58638675-time-plague
Guest Post
The Best Writing Advice I Ever Got!
My sister Laura invited me to her church one Sunday. To my surprise, the program that day was more
secular than religious.
The speaker challenged us — “What are you doing with the time of your life? Are you spending your
time doing things that improve your heart or mind or soul?”
This pushed me onto a path of thought I had never gone down before. How was I using the time of
my life?
“WORKING” was my first response. I worked 60+ hours a week for a computer consulting firm. It
was fun, fulfilling work, and I enjoyed it. But it occurred to me I had no social life and no outlet for
pent-up energy.
Then I remembered my TIME LIMITS book. I’d worked on it for two years but completed only a few
chapters — and I wasn’t satisfied with them.
“I should finish my book,” I said to Laura.
We talked about it as we drove home, and Laura suggested we stop at a local Starbucks for coffee.
She didn’t have to ask me twice. If coffee is involved, I’m there!
We ordered in so we could chat and spend time together. We continued to talk about the book. In the
conversation, I mentioned that I rarely have time to work on it.
Someone touched me on the shoulder. I turned, and next to me sat a man with glasses and a cane.
“Sorry,” he said. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I’m an author, and if you aren’t writing every day,
then you’re kidding yourself.”
The stranger was Shane Etter, a successful horror-suspense writer.
That night, his words surfaced repeatedly in my mind. I knew they were true words, and I didn’t have
the time to write.
Another piece of advice came to mind. “If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Okay, I thought … If I decided to find the time, how would I proceed?
I looked for time, and presto! — I found it. I could get up in the morning thirty minutes earlier. I
could write on airplanes and at the airport. I could write in my hotel room, at the bar, or at a
restaurant.
It worked! Eight weeks later, I had a final draft of TIME LIMITS, ready for editing.
The best writing advice I ever got — write at least a little every day.
Author Q & A
How did you research your book?
I read a bunch of time travel stories. The primary setting in the book (the NewT Communications Tower in Atlanta) is based on the former BellSouth Services building in the same block as the famous Fox Theater. I worked there for twenty years.
Who’s the hardest scene or character you wrote—and why?
Easy. It was the scene where McKnight encountered Merrie the first time in the past. I struggled because I knew McKnight’s thoughts would be all over the place with confusion, fear that he’d make a mistake, and coming face-to-face with a beautiful woman. I tried it several ways, then wrote the scene from Merrie’s point of view. It turned out to be easier, and added to her character.
Where do you get your ideas?
Mostly out of my head. I get an idea and write the movie I’d like to see. The TIME LIMITS characters have taken a life of their own, and I get ideas from their personalities.
What sets your book apart from others in its genre?
In my stories, time travel technology is in its infancy. With a reasonable amount of power, you can only visit the same date that is a multiple of 25 years from the present date, plus or minus a week. Outside of those parameters, the power requirement is too big to be practical. I wanted a sense of urgency for every travel event.
What helps you overcome writer’s block?
Writers — don’t hate me — but I’ve never had writer’s block. When I’m away from my desk, I may get a little edgy. But when I sit at my desk, I’ll just look for more trouble for the hero, and that gets the creative juices going.
What’s your favorite compliment you’ve received as a writer?
At the doctor’s office (of all places), Martha and I ran into her childhood friend, who said she had read all my books and loved them. My feet didn’t touch the ground for the rest of the day.
Do you write every day? What’s your schedule?
I write every day when I have a book project under way. During that time, I try to write for 2-3 hours in the morning and spend 2 hours in the afternoon on marketing.
Where do you write—home, coffee shop, train?
Before I retired, I wrote everywhere — Starbucks, hotel rooms or bars, airplanes, airports, etc. Since retirement, I mostly write at my desk at home, though I admit I have carried a laptop on vacation.
Any quirky writing rituals or must-have snacks?
I don’t outline the entire book, but I do document the events/words/ideas I want to cover in each chapter. So, I’m a pantser-plotter (LOL). Snacks? I want coffee. Real coffee, not half-caff or decaf.
Why did you choose this setting/topic?
For TIME LIMITS, I worked in the book’s office tower for twenty years. I knew the building well and got the idea about an executive being murdered in an office tower and using time travel to investigate the case 50 years later.
If your book became a movie, who would star in it?
Simple question. I drew from all the movies I have seen. For example, my daughter Megan demanded that McKnight be played by a 30-year-old Henry Cavill. When I envisioned Merrie, there was only one person who fit the character: Amy Adams in her twenties. I have an actor in mind for all characters, but I’ll save them for another time.
Which author(s) most inspired you?
Tom Clancy, H. G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, plus Frank Herbert and J.R.R. Tolkien (for their vivid world-building). When we first met, Martha and I discovered our favorite books were the same book: EXECUTIVE ORDERS by Tom Clancy.
What’s your go-to comfort food?
Atlas Pizza in Gainesville, GA. It’s been around a long time. If you ever find yourself in our town, check it out. It’s in the town square downtown. You can’t miss it.
What are you binge-watching right now?
Outlander. There are a few more on Martha’s list.
If you could time-travel, where would you go?
The University of Georgia campus, 1973. There’s a certain girl I’d advise myself to avoid at all costs. Also, I’d tell myself not to get involved with another girl who thought she was available but wasn’t. But all things considered, I am who I am because I went through those trying times and eventually found my soulmate. Okay, so never mind!
Which 3 books would you bring to a desert island?
Very hard choice. First, my Bible, then EXECUTIVE ORDERS by Tom Clancy, and the Foxfire book that tells you how to survive on a desert island.
What made you laugh this week?
Some funny cat and dog videos on TikTok. They are addictive, and they crack me up.
Tour Schedule
October 20th
Chapter Break
https://chapterbreak.net
I Smell Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com
October 22nd
Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
http://www.authoranthonyavina.com
October 23rd
Country Mamas With Kids
https://countrymamaswithkids.com
October 24th
@gallaghergirlreads
https://www.instagram.com/gallaghergirlreads
October 27th
@therearenobadbooks
https://www.instagram.com/therearenobadbooks
October 28th
Chit Chat with Charity
https://chitchatwithcharity.wordpress.com
October 29th
Whatnolareads
https://www.instagram.com/whatnolareads
Anytime between 10/20-10/29
What Is That Book About
http://www.whatisthatbookabout.com
The Strawberry Post
https://thestrawberrypost.wordpress.com
@aibibyreads
http://instagram.com/aibibyreads
Riley’s Hobbies & Books
https://www.instagram.com/rileyshobbiesandbooks/
Stacey Ann Says
http://staceyannsays.com
A Wonderful World of Words
https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com
Sarandipity’s
https://sarandipitys.com
@sudeshnalovesreading
https://www.instagram.com/sudeshnalovesreading
