{{contact.first_name}}, want a couple of stories from my back catalogue?
Jan 21, 2021 10:59 pm
Hello from London,
Real work has been getting the better of me this last week. It's a pain when the reality intrudes on the fantasy worlds I'm building, but the real world sometimes sets priorities in ways that are hard to ignore.
That said, I'm approaching the end of the first draft of episode 5, which has been like drawing blood from a stone. I'll be happy when I get to go back and re-edit it, although I'm a little worried that it'll require a pretty comprehensive rewrite. Really difficult first drafts have a way of being a long way off the mark.
In the meantime, let's visit a couple of entries from my...
Back Catalogue
I've enjoyed writing fiction for a long time. Unfortunately, like most undisciplined louts, I've finished very little of it. It was a frustration with unfinished stories that made me pivot to short fiction a few years back.
I've been dying to share my latest short story with you, but can't because I need to see if any of the relevant magazines feel it's a good match for them, and perhaps they might even pay me a little for it. One of my preferred magazines held it for consideration, for a very long time. It was finally not what they were looking for, and I've now resubmitted it to another market. We'll see if it fares better there.
Since I can't show you my latest work, here's are a couple of short stories from my back catalogue.
What You Might Find
This isn't fantasy or science fiction. It's the story of a pickpocket whose life is changed when he encounters someone who is in some ways utterly different, and in others exactly like him. I wrote it in response to a story prompt, and quite liked the overall feel of the story.
In-Flight Magic
This was only a bit of fun. I wrote this, once again in response to a story prompt, at a time when I really didn't feel like writing anything. I was trying to demonstrate to myself that writing is not something that can only be done when the creative stars come into perfect alignment, but that it's a muscle that can be disciplined to work and forced to perform. It's admittedly not at the top of the list of my best work, but as a little glimpse at an imagined universe, it came out quite well.
Neither of these require you to be a member of my mailing list to read them, so feel free to share the links with anyone or on any platform where you think they might be enjoyed.
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Free Fantasy Fiction
Clicking the banner above or the link below will take you to a long list of free novels, prequels and introductions. The giveaway runs for a full month, and all these writers ask in return is that you give their newsletter a chance when you download their book. I hope you find a few things worth your time on the list.
Embrace of the Shade by Amanda Muratoff and Kayla Mansur
Unfathomable power consumes morality, fanning the flames of destruction. Within the embers, a tainted soul can be reforged into a hero.
Hunting a Berylian Key shard, Kin enters the Great Library of Capul intent on stealing a rare text that could aid him in his task. Bound to his duty by blood, failure poses a greater threat than any prison. When Kin crosses paths with an alluring thief, he sees an opportunity to benefit off her, even if his proximity could put her life at risk.
Amarie disregards caution and partners with Kin without realizing he seeks the same shard she does. After a daring escape, sparks ignite and jeopardize her resolve. Desires of the heart clash with logic, creating a storm with nowhere to go but disaster.
A war rages between secrets with shadows poised to strike. Darkness could swallow Kin before Amarie has a chance to pull him from its depths.
Authors of Note
Issaura's Claws by Katharine E. Wibell
According to legend, when the world was young, the goddess Issaura appeared among men. Those who treated her with kindness received the gift of the gods—the ability to transform into an animal form. This was a great honor but one that separated this race from other humans. Before Issaura departed the mortal realm, she promised to return if her people were ever at the point of destruction.
Now a threat is rising from a land across the mists of the ocean, a threat that will push this race to the brink of extinction. Responding to the call to war, seventeen-year-old Lluava heads off to find her destiny, one that will carve her name in history.
Issaura's Claws is available for free on Kindle Unlimited
May your pandemic-fuelled self-isolation be interrupted by moments of happiness and joy!
Nick
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