The pursuit of power is as old as human history. In ancient times and in various cultures, it was believed that a person's power, indeed their very essence, could be literally extracted through a variety of means. The methods by which this was accomplished were largely lost to the ages, or banned and purged from historical records by kings, pharaohs, and the like in efforts to preserve their own power and authority. Still, the echoes of these ideas and techniques persist. What would happen if a man living in modern society, a descendant of the practitioners of those arts, were to inadvertently awaken such an ability and what would be the consequences of that awakening? "The Big Men" is a paranormal thriller that explores the perceptions, manifestations, and consequences of power as wielded and coveted by men in the modern era. This debut novel by Michael Shotter will keep readers guessing as they are drawn into the world of such men by a young outsider, capable of taking everything from them.

Meet Lisa Hudson, a dedicated journalism student, on a beautiful, spring morning in Pittsburgh that proves to be the last ordinary day of her life. As she struggles to survive in a new reality, forged from catastrophe, Lisa confronts its mysteries and dangers with the aid of intriguing and unlikely companions. For her, the world will never be the same. For you, the journey is just beginning. Michael Shotter is a lifelong resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a lover of science, fiction, and fantasy, his works aim to push beyond the boundaries of traditional genre fiction into new and exciting realms born from literary craftsmanship. "309" represents his most ambitious effort to date and is sure to thrill fans of both science fiction and high adventure.

When worlds collide, the effects can range from subtle to profound. In this first-ever, short-fiction collection from the author of "309" and "The Big Men," experience the intrigue, excitement, and terror of such events from a variety of perspectives as each unique tale unfolds. This collection includes the hit novelette, "Academic Displacement," and seven all-new stories sure to please fans of thrilling, thought-provoking, and engaging prose.

Tom Hallett was an ordinary man, living an ordinary if pleasant-enough life, his world, perfectly shaped and managed by the wonders of technology and the handful of elite "executives" who control it. Thus, the young man finds himself completely unprepared when a chance encounter and a twist of fate bring him face to face with the most terrifying event in human history. Can a simple archivist, a keeper of the records of other people's deeds, rise to the occasion or will he remain an ordinary citizen, powerless and subject to "The Nemesis Effect?"

A seasoned, wealthy, and powerful man, Alan Wells was poised to triumphantly enter the prime of his life when the death of his closest and dearest companion shook him to his core, leaving him in a vulnerable physical and mental state just as he became the target of a man eager to see him completely undone. Can Alan recover and reach his full potential to defeat his greatest adversary, or will he find himself irrevocably broken and discarded, another “Big Man Down?”

Jim Perkins had been through a lot, ripped from the only life he'd ever known and cast into a hellish landscape with little to no hope of survival. Still, the "big man" persisted, not just for himself but for his new companion. Now, on the verge of death, the banker finds himself thrust into the midst of an epic, world-altering event far beyond his wildest imaginings. Can Mr. Perkins recover and secure his place in a new reality or is he about to make his final deposit? "500" is the latest novel from acclaimed speculative-fiction author Michael Shotter. In the tradition of other volumes from The Nod/Wells Timelines such as "309," "Shards," and "The Big Men," it tells its own standalone story while expanding on the universe and characters established in the author's other works.

It started in 2017 with “The Big Men.” Now, The Nod/Wells Timelines conclude with a collection of all-new stories spanning generations, touching and expanding on a host of events and characters from Michael Shotter’s most-beloved works of speculative fiction such as “309,” “Shards,” “The Nemesis Effect,” “Big Man Down,” and “500.” This collection includes six brand-new tales, plus the acclaimed novelette, “Mr. Perkins Goes to Hell,” previously only available via Kindle Vella. Prepare yourself to experience some of the most intense, poignant, and emotionally-charged events from The Nod/Wells Timelines with: The Spiral The Shoemaker Walter and Roy Shine Mr. Perkins Goes to Hell Other Arrangements Legacy

In recent years, the “Nod/Wells Timelines” have become a fixture in the speculative-fiction community, with seven novel-length books spanning the science fiction, paranormal thriller, and horror sub-genres via their unique and compelling takes on historical, contemporary, and near-future versions of the world we all inhabit. Throughout these tales stand “the big men,” individuals of great power and prominence whose actions (or lack thereof) often profoundly shape and influence those realities. At times driven by their own ambitions and desires and at times the victims or beneficiaries of stunning turns of fate, the big men go about their business, playing important roles in their world, and others, and proving beyond question that, as the old adage suggests: “Sometimes, the clothes… and shoes… do indeed make (or break) the man.” This collection includes the following eight tales in addition to the special “bonus” stories, “Exit Strategy,” “A Little Help,” “Out With a Bang,” and “Imitating Art,” which offer a few “optional” extensions and alternative conclusions to the experience. Paper or Plastic? Walt Office Hours The Beloved Jacob Westbrook Hostile Takeover Poker Night Fair Game If The Shoes Fit