Hello lovely readers! As the end of 2021 approaches, I wanted to update you on some of the exciting things that have happened in the last couple of months and let you know about things to come. I have a short story published in Chiaroscuro-An Anthology of Virtue and Vice, which came out in October.
"In art, chiaroscuro is a technique that explores the interplay of light and dark through stark contrasts. In the same way, this anthology explores virtue and vice and the interconnectedness between these two ends of the morality spectrum. A virtue taken to excess transforms into vice; a vice in the right circumstances becomes virtuous. Via poetry and prose, Chiaroscuro will take you on a journey through light and dark, right and wrong, good and evil, and the spaces in between."
You can get your hands on this anthology on Kindle or paperback to read The Formula for Forgiveness, and many other short stories and poetry by other talented northern Colorado writers here:
New on Kindle Vella, Santa Claws is Coming to Town! This story officially drops on 12/12/21 and is a great way to greet the holiday season my way--with HORROR! You can catch the first three episodes for free on Kindle Vella for free!
"What happens to naughty children at Christmas time? Rebecca's starting to have some serious doubts about this Santa thing. But when she peeks on Christmas Eve, she finds out more than she bargained for, and more than she ever wanted to know. Now it's up to her to end things, but the question is, can she?"
Kindle Vella brings you stories released one short episode at a time, available in the Kindle for iOS app and on Amazon.com.
Follow the stories you like to keep up with the latest from your favorite characters. When you like an episode, give it a Thumbs Up to let the author and other readers know you liked it. The first few episodes of every story are always free--after that, purchase Tokens and redeem them to unlock episodes. Tokens may only be used to unlock Kindle Vella story episodes in the Kindle for iOS app and on Amazon.com. When you unlock episodes, you will receive one Fave a week that you can award to the story you're enjoying most that week. We'll feature Top Faved stories so other readers can find them too.
The Mechanism of Love has been submitted for the UNCHARTED Horror Thriller Short Story Award! This story was the third place winner in the Colorado Short Story Contest in June 2021. Long list considerations should be coming out soon.
Guest judge Benjamin Percy will choose three winning stories from a shortlist. We’re excited to offer the winner of this prize $3000 and publication, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive publication and $300 and $200, respectively along with publication.
You can look forward to reading more short stories in the next year on Kindle Vella!
The Octopus and the Maiden:
When a teacher loses her husband, she descends into a dark depression. After visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she befriends the most unlikely of creatures; a magnificent and mysterious octopus.
Planet G:
In a dystopian society, if you aren't completely straight, you are off to a distant planet to live with "your own kind". Twelve year old Jillian is terrified at first but soon discovers a paradise full of people just like her. Her mother faked her test results so Jillian wouldn't have to go alone, but what happens when she is discovered?
Set the World on Fire:
Ahh, the world of Karma in action. Sometimes revenge works itself out, sometimes it needs a little push in the right direction. Who knows? It could lead to an amazing job opportunity!
Offerings to the Spider Gods:
Childhood fears rear their ugly, multi-eyed heads in this journey back to arachnophobia.
Oma's Cookies:
A writer, the muse, and a naughty dog turn lives upside down.
The Day I Met Stephen King:
His dream to meet the King turns out to be a nightmare when Jeffrey discovers he's no longer living in his own story.
See you in the new year!