Showing posts with label short stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label short stories. Show all posts
Friday, 9 December 2016
Friday, 28 August 2015
Book Spotlight: Tantalizing Tidbits Short Story Collection
Tantalizing Tidbits
Authors: Ceci Giltenan, Tarah Scott, Sue-Ellen Welfonder, Victoria Barbour, Natasha Blackthorne, Ria Cantrell, Stephanie Joyce Cole, Kimberly K. Comeau, Kathryn Lynn Davis, Ted Grosch, Brenda Margriet, Mary McCall, Kate Robbins, John Robin, HD Smith, KyAnn Waters, and Victoria Zak
Genres: Romance, Paranormal, Contemporary, Literary, Fantasy, Time Travel, Historical, Women’s Fiction, Highland Romance, Humor, Erotica
Publisher: Cridhe Works LLC
Date of Publication: July 17, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-9909513-2-2
ASIN: B011YLKTWM
Number of pages: 411
Word Count: 163,205
Cover Artist: Zak James Design
Book Description:
A collection of short stories written by bestselling authors, representing an eclectic mix of styles and genres. In a word, this book is a smorgasbord; an opportunity to try a bit of everything.
In the spirit of the smorgasbord, the collection is presented as a menu and authors have shared recipes which accompany each story—some fitting, some funny, some simply old favorites.
Ranging from ultra-short but spine tingling, to meatier tales that are nearly novellas there is a little something for every appetite including comedy, tragedy, fantasy, werewolves, at least one ghost, life, death, and of course love.
Dig in. We hope you find at least one tidbit you enjoy.
Available at Amazon
Appetizers
Savory fare for smaller appetites - short stories from a wide range of styles and genres.
The Motorcycle
by Tarah Scott
Paranormal fiction
3074 words
No man can ever fully master memory. But maybe, just maybe, he can learn to live with it. Even be glad for it. Even if that means reaching across space, time...and the grave.
Ida and the Nor’easter
by Victoria Barbour
Contemporary fiction
8014 words
Is there such a thing as a curse? With a storm looming on the horizon, 98-year-old Ida Walsh fears a repeat of the terrible events of her childhood. Will her indomitable wit and resilience be enough to save the day?
Gardens
by Stephanie Joyce Cole
Literary fiction
4225 words
Anne begins to question the rigid limitations of her new marriage as she spies on a mysterious neighbor.
One Who Waits
by John Robin
Epic Fantasy
6538 words
Contains moderate violence
Al'a will die at his father's hands, unless he can master a forbidden magic.
Al'a Solaris, born into the Sun Priesthood, only wanted to prove his worth to his father when he delved into forbidden magic. Now, he must die at his father's hands, to restore honor to his bloodline. But the blade his father wields is also his final hope -- if only Al’a can discover its secret and master the fire within.
The Hole
by Ted Grosch
Literary fiction
Just exactly why is Bernie digging that hole?
The Spirit Bottle
by Ted Grosch
Literary fiction
A bushman's duty is his legacy for the tribe.
The Summons
by Ria Cantrell
Paranormal romance
5477 words
Contains mildly explicit sexual scenes
A magical journey where love knows no boundaries, the Summons combines romantic and ethereal love in a mystical setting.
Main Courses
Hearty fare to satisfy larger literary appetites.
The Seventh Sister
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Paranormal romance
12,439 words
A story of love, legend, and magic
Down-on-her-luck American artist Maggie Gleason returns to Ireland, hoping to put old hurts behind her. Instead, revisiting the fishing village that enchanted her twelve years before only reopens wounds – until the unexpected appearance of roguish pub owner Conall Flanagan proves that the Ancient Isle is a magical place where anything can happen and true love always stands the test of time.
Falling in Time
by Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Time travel romance/11,090 words
When love calls across the ages…
Aspiring writer Lindy Lovejoy knows all about happy endings. But when she travels to Scotland to research Celtic myth and lore, she never expected a chance to live her own storybook romance, until a stop at mystical Smoo Cave whisks her back in time and into the arms of Rogan MacGraith, a Highland hero who’d burn up the pages of the steamiest Scottish romance novel.
Clouds Across the Moon
by Kathryn Lynn Davis
Historical Women’s Fiction
17,151 words
In the 19th century Scottish Highlands, young Morna struggles with new motherhood, her child’s illness, and her inability to compete with her husband's idealized vision of her. Will she have faith in the magic of her dreams, and thus find the strength to save her child’s life--and her own--as she begins to recognize the truth and depth of the woman she really is?”
The Lady’s Portrait
by Kate Robbins
Contemporary Romance
17,332 words
Contains mild to moderate sexually explicit scenes
When Gillian Beaton meets the captivating Ciaran MacLeod, she’s immediately attracted, but is she ready to trust again? Have her demons followed her to Scotland and can new love grow out of old heartbreak?
His Harlot
by Natasha Blackthorne
Historical Erotic Romance
23,018 words
*Contains extremely explicit sexual scenes that some readers may find offensive*
Late one night, in the midst of a summer’s hot spell, Thomas spies Rosalind in the woods, clad only in her shift, dancing in the moonlight. It’s really more than a man celibate for three years can bear. Thomas is in danger of falling into a sin so powerful it threatens to challenge everything he thinks he knows about himself and life…
Sneak Peek at Highland Legacy: King Arthur Strikes Back
by Mary McCall
Medieval Highland Romance
12,494 word
Michael wed Christina when he was nine and she was three, then promptly went about his life and tried to forget about her. Now the pair must unite to thwart the Beast, return the Power of God that was stolen by their ancestors, and save the world in an epic battle between the forces of good and evil.
*Please note, this is NOT a short story, it is an extended preview of Mary’s next novel, book III in her Sisters by Choice series due for release soon. It is a taste of things to come and while it does not end on a cliff-hanger, it is not a complete story.*
Desserts
Looking for something lighter or perhaps a happy ending? The stories in this section won’t disappoint you. They are shorter and mostly romantic, or funny, or both.
Onyx
by H.D. Smith
Paranormal fiction
7099 words
Contains mild violence and a frustrating lack of S’mores
For those that like it short and sweet
Madison Monroe thinks she has everything in life figured out, until one ill-fated camping trip has her running for her life through the woods being chased by two wolves—both eager to claim her.
The Life She Had Before
by Brenda Margriet
Contemporary Romance
5429 words
A woman is torn between bitter revenge and the sweetness of a second chance.
Hi. My Name is Harold
by Kimberly K. Comeau
Humor
3778 words
Is there light at the bottom of an empty peanut butter jar?
For Harold, giving up peanuts for medical reasons means the end of life's greatest pleasure…until his wife introduces him to all-natural peanut butter. But his addictive personality isn't satisfied with an occasional indulgence.
The Jewel of Grim Fortress
by Victoria Zac
Paranormal historical romance
7105 words
Eradicating wayward supernaturals has its consequences.
The hereafter may be closer than Carson Kincaid thinks when he is charged to discover what ails Laird Maclean’s mind. Can Kincaid conquer his inner demons while battling the armies of evil?
Paisley Shaw, a powerful druid, has endured her share of hardened times starting the moment Laird Maclean stormed into her life. Now, she must find a way to stop him from taking her powers before it’s too late.
Beautiful Storm,
by KyAnn Waters
Erotic romance
7073 words
*Contains extremely explicit sexual scenes that some readers may find offensive*
Adrian Beck lost everything, including his passion for designing beautiful buildings, after 9/11.
Isabelle Clemet, of Clemet Hotels, is ready to rebuild after Katrina. She wants the Adrian.
Can an erotic late-night encounter on a secluded beach help a lonely architect rediscover his lost passion?
When a Rose Blooms,
by Tarah Scott
Historical romance
4353 words
On the anniversary eve of his wife's death, Nathaniel kneels at her grave asking questions he fears were answered the night she died. Despite cold solitude, desire flares when he learns the woman who now haunts his dreams awaits him in the great hall. By morning’s light, she will meet him on the battlefield he has built around himself, and force him to choose between the living and the dead
Sorry for Your Trouble
by Ceci Giltenan
Vignette
1913 words
Ceci shares poignant but sometimes funny memories of the first funeral she attended in Ireland.
The Personal Ad
by Ceci Giltenan
Contemporary sweet romance
4211 words
Always the best friend and never the leading lady, will Nina find love when she answers a quirky, sweet personal ad?
Tuesday, 2 October 2012
Author Interview: Gregory Miller
About the Author:
In 2008, Ray Bradbury wrote, "Gregory Miller is a fresh new talent with a great future." Miller was born in State College, Pennsylvania in 1978. In October 2009, his first collection of short stories, Scaring the Crows: 21 Tales for Noon or Midnight, was published by StoneGarden.net Publishing, and received positive reviews from bestselling authors such as Piers Anthony and Brad Strickland. This was followed in 2011 by The Uncanny Valley: Tales from a Lost Town, which received excellent critical recognition for a small press publication. His third collection, On the Edge of Twilight: 22 Tales to Follow You Home, has just been released. All three of his books are illustrated by artist John Randall York. A high school English teacher, Miller currently lives in Pittsburgh with his family. His website/blog is: http://authorgregorymiller.wordpress.com/ John Randall York's website is www.johnrandallyork.com.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I usually have a concept, then, in writing the story, let it take me to its natural conclusion.
Absolutely. And I love that.
What is your favourite food?
Chicken Tikka Masala
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Most definitely a night owl. I didn’t even know 5 AM existed until my boys were born.
Where do you dream of traveling to and why?
I’d like to return to England, especially Durham County. My great-grandparents came over to America from Durham – from a little section of the city called “Billy Row” -- and I feel a deep cultural connection to it…The lay of the land is very similar to Western Pennsylvania, believe it or not. I’ve been there four times, but will probably have to wait until my children are older before I can return.
Not often. I find a regional setting I’m familiar with makes the story more authentic.
Do you listen to music while writing?
Sometimes. Especially Queen.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
On the Edge of Twilight: 22 Tales to Follow You Home is a mixed bag of short stories. Some are horror, some have supernatural overtones, some are slice-of-life realistic tales, some are nostalgic, some are shockers. Hopefully there’s something in there for everyone.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
That you should never write for recognition, but because the very process brings you personal pleasure and satisfaction. Publication is a wonderful bonus and a motivator…the “end product,” so to speak. But the process itself, however difficult, should be satisfying and rewarding.
Is there anything you would do differently?
In life? Sure, a few things. But I have a good life, overall, and I’m happy. But there are always more things to do, and see, and experience.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
Ray Bradbury was a dear personal friend and mentor. On the Edge of Twilight contains the last stories he read and advised me on, and it is dedicated to his memory.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
If you love doing it, you’ve found the right thing to do. Read, and write, as much as possible. Learn from what you read, and learn from what you write. But enjoy both.
What are three words that describe you?
Fun, inquisitive, passionate.
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
The Martian Chronicles, by Ray Bradbury.
Gregory Miller writes: "...time fades old frights." A clever line yet not quite true, if one is to believe these stories, many of which feature the departed and their undiminished entanglement with the living. Miller walks an undulating line between the creepy and nostalgic, the macabre and sweet, the malevolent and innocent - a provocative blend that leaves the reader wistful for many who have passed, but also relieved to leave some of the more vindictive spirits behind. In short, this collection, his third, is a tapestry of diverse tales that resonate in surprising and unusual ways.
List of previous books if any
Scaring the Crows: 21 Tales for Noon or Midnight
The Uncanny Valley: Tales for a Lost Town
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
http://authorgregorymiller.wordpress.com/
Thank you, Gregory and good luck with all your books :)
You can read a sample short story from On the Edge of Twilight in the book spotlight:
http://booksandtales.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/book-spotlight-on-edge-of-twilight-22.html
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Book Review: Shelf Life: Fantastic Stories Celebrating Bookstores
Shelf Life: Fantastic Stories Celebrating Bookstores
Edited by Greg Ketter
Introduction by Neil Gaiman
4 stars
Blurb:
Bookstores are the greatest places on earth, yet there's never been an anthology devoted just to them. Here are sixteen stories, fourteen original to this anthology, each of which includes a bookstore at its core. Science fiction, fantasy and horror. Authors included are David Bischoff, P.D. Cacek, Ramsey Campbell, Charles de Lint, Marianne de Pierres, Harlan Ellison, Rick Hautala, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Gerard Houarner, John J. Miller, A.R. Morlan, Lisa Morton, Melanie Tem, Patrick Weekes, Jack Williamson, Gene Wolfe. Introduction by Neil Gaiman. Cover art by John Picacio.
Review:
Anyone who knows me knows I love books and bookshops and here we have an anthology where the bookshop is the setting for each of the stories. All the stories are different, but each have an element of the fantastic. They range from SF, to Horror, to fantasy to some with a fairy tale feel. From stories set in Nazi Germany to stories with kittens who can read. As with any anthology, you tend to prefer some stories over others, but all of them are good here. One of my favoruites was The Hemmingway Kittens, even though I'm not really a cat person, but they were just so cute. I didn't even know they were an actual breed, so I learned something too.
This is a great collection for anyone who loves books, it would make an ideal gift for a bibliophile. My one niggle is to do with the editing - some typos and the wrong words used take you out of a story very quickly. Things like 'an' instead of 'and' for example. But still a good read.
Reviewed by Annette Gisby
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