Twelve Guage
Twelve Gauge, a collection of short stories by Matt Borczon
Simple Creatures
With an intimate, comic, and compassionate eye, the twelve stories in Simple Creatures consider what it means to live with less in the twenty-first century.In this debut collection, featuring stories set in locations from the Pacific Northwest and upstate New York to the English coast, Robert McGill explores the heartaches and joys of people who are desperate to uncomplicate their complicated world. Through stories consisting of YouTube monologues, pet-care instructions, school reports, and the unspoken thoughts of a young scholar obsessed with a famous Canadian writer, Simple Creatures also shows us the sometimes hilarious, often poignant ways in which our use of language shapes our relationships with others and ourselves.Along the way, we meet a teenager who wants to live among a community of Bigfoot that he claims to have discovered in the woods; the widow of a famous endocrinologist after she gains custody of a chimpanzee from his lab; a boy whose fledgling hockey career is troubled by the fact that his name is Leo Gretzky; and a divorcee seeking out the mysterious author of a viral environmental pledge. Through their lives, Simple Creatures offers an acute, sympathetic portrait of our time."Here are people struggling with simple needs and small dramas that nevertheless got entirely under my skin - sublime awe, tender longing, painful anxiety, too. Robert McGill's masterful Simple Creatures reminded me of how potent an elixir the short story form can be - the magic of words alchemically transforming within me into raw feeling. The stories in Simple Creatures truly live and breathe." - Kathryn Kuitenbrouwer, author of Wait Softly Brother"Robert McGill writes hilarious, smart, heart-breaking stories. A master of voice and dialogue, character and perspective, he knows everyone's loneliness. We're all in here, the whole arc of life: children in the beginning, elderly athletes battling to the end, and middle aged lovers trying to love in the middle of the internet and a climate disaster. Come watch as one of our best stylists plies his trade, pushing short fiction to its contemporary, ecstatic edge." - Alexander MacLeod, author of Light Lifting and Animal Person
Alternative Facts and other fictions
In this absurd and wildly inventive debut collection, Emily Greenberg imagines the inner lives of the politicians, celebrities, artists, and entertainers who have ushered in our post-truth era. With equal parts compassion and incisiveness, Greenberg vividly renders the porous boundaries between fact and fiction, public and private, reality and simulation. George W. Bush almost tells Jay Leno the truth about his paintings. Kellyanne Conway lands a punch. Hawaii's governor enjoys a transcendent experience with a sentient Twitter bird amid a disastrous false missile alert. And in the final story, Paris Hilton falls from a helicopter onto Thomas Pynchon's fire escape, leading to a surreal adventure full of magical dentists, talking dogs, and unexpected friendships. Satirical and deadly serious, clever and tender, Alternative Facts forges new spaces for meaning and connection across our fractured realities.
Thank the DJs
This collection is an album of short stories; each tale a love affair with a particular song, an homage to a DJ and a dedication to someone that influenced and guided the author through his formative years.
The Language of Love and Other Stories
The Language of Love and Other Stories is a diverse collection that delves into the many facets of love. From the tender bonds between parent and child ("Claire Juliana," "The Ferris Wheel") to the deep connections between adult children and their elderly relatives ("Mama," "Listen to Me," "Remember Mama"), the stories explore love in its many forms. Romantic love takes center stage in tales like "Charley and the Cupid Caper," "With Any Luck," "Bingo," "Henry, Hortense and the Halloween Party," "For the First Time-Again," and "Love Dancing." Some stories, such as "Doors and Windows," "The Message is Understood," "The Equation of Love," and the title story, "The Language of Love," examine the struggles love faces when tested by life's challenges.The collection also poignantly addresses love intertwined with grief and loss in stories like "Earth to Moon," "Goodbyes," "Seeing Jim," "Thinking About Melanie," and "Love Letters." Across 20 stories, the collection captures every stage of love, from the exhilarating beginnings to the quiet, routine phases, the uncertain times, and the heartbreaking endings-whether anticipated or shockingly sudden. It's a journey through whom we love, how we love, and how we cope when love is returned, unrequited, or lost.Praised as "a unique collection of short fiction about the various types of love that hits the sweet spot between quirky and heart-rending" (Dawn Reno Langley), "a tribute to the many forms of love" (Ann Henry), and "poignant, compelling, and clear-eyed" (Deborah Kalb), The Language of Love and Other Stories masterfully illustrates the complexity of love and its enduring power, even in the face of loss. Each story stands alone, yet together, they weave a rich tapestry of the ways love shapes our lives.
Personal Velocity
The first Picador edition of Rebecca Miller's debut book "remind[s] us that good material is everywhere" (The Washington Post).The vibrantly fresh and lustrous stories in Miller's collection explore the multifaceted lives of women in seven arresting portraits. Modern and diverse, these women of different classes and ages struggle with sexuality, fate, motherhood, infidelity, desperation, and an overriding will to survive. We meet Greta, a cookbook editor who is chosen by Tavi, the hottest writer of his generation, to edit his new book. The book becomes a best-seller and Greta is propelled out of her marriage by her own ambition and success. Other characters include Paula, a pregnant twenty-one-year-old, who is on the run from the horror of a man who was hit by a car and died while walking her home from a nightclub; Delia, an abused working-class wife who goes into hiding with her children; and Louisa, a painter who moves rapidly from one lover to the next, acting out a self-perpetuating drama over which she has no control. Rebecca Miller, who also adapted Personal Velocity for the screen, has crafted an edgy, fearless, and beautifully spare collection of short fiction.
Song of the Day
About the Book'A TENDER COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES THAT EXPLORES THE LOVES AND LOSSES OF THE YOUNG THROUGH MEMORIES TRIGGERED BY A SONG.' -JANE BORGES, AUTHOR OF BOMBAY BALCH?OIn these contemporary, striking stories, you'll meet young people as they navigate the complexities of love, loss and of finding their place in a rapidly changing world. You'll listen in on intimate conversations and see the fleeting moments that define us-the stolen glances, the unspoken words, the songs that become the soundtrack to our lives. Preet Modi's tales deftly capture the universal struggles of youth and adulthood.Delicately intertwined with music-there's a song at the heart of each story-Song of the Day is a moving exploration of human connection, the passage of time and the power of memory to shape our present.About the AuthorAfter growing up in Thane all his life, Preet moved to the United States when he was eighteen to study at the University of California, Los Angeles. Navigating the feeling of being homesick led him to write his first book, Song of the Day, titled after an old ritual he followed with a friend- exchanging a song close to you every day, sometimes over chai or a long walk. Now twenty-four, Preet lives between New York and Mumbai, working as a consultant. Balancing everyday life, he continues to pursue his lifelong creative outlets of writing and making music.
The Queer Folk Of Fife Tales From The Kingdom
"Tales from the Kingdom" is a captivating collection of fairy tales and fantasy stories set in an enchanting kingdom. The book transports readers to a world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and royalty, offering a rich tapestry of adventure and romance. Each tale is set against a medieval backdrop and explores themes of heroism and enchantment. The stories feature a range of noble characters and villains, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative landscape. The court life and legends of the kingdom provide a vivid setting for the unfolding drama and intrigue. The collection is characterized by its imaginative storytelling, weaving together elements of mystery and moral lessons with the fantastical. The tales often include encounters with mythical creatures and explore themes of bravery and virtue. Marjorie Bowen's writing brings to life a series of epic adventures that capture the essence of folk tales and traditional fairy tales. Her stories are imbued with a sense of wonder and magical realism, making "Tales from the Kingdom" a delightful read for fans of fantasy and fairy tales.
Skeins
A collection of published and unpublished short storties by emergent and established authors. SKEINS is a yarn-telling, truth-spinning celebration of women who tell stories and weave tales like threads. In SKEINS you will find beautiful, thought-provoking stories which explore themes that are relevant to women's lives; loving and love-less relationships, birth and childhood, aging and death, connections with nature and magic, difficult family dynamics and humour. Through the stories walk complex characters with recognisable emotions. There are tales within tales and a yarn here for everyone.
The Devil Spinners
Meet The Devil Spinners: edge-dwellers, poets and lovable scoundrels who bluster, blunder and bellow their way to redemption-or not-between stops at Crawley's Pub. Each faces a moment of life-bafflement, brief or prolonged, that finds resolution through a shift in perception, an unexpected intervention, a kind word, or in one case, an insect. The stories are set on the B.C. coast in an indeterminate era when screens, though present, have not yet dominated every public place. At Crawley's, live conversation rules and a haphazard harmony prevails as bartender Gabe and her co-workers serve a ragtag assortment of neighbourhood regulars. Over the course of fifteen stories, we find Mike the lawyer advising Sam the towboat man on his faulty DUI charge, Haley the musician describing to Gabe how a detour in his travels led to lessons in devil spinning, the mad Professor Weibel refereeing the Great Debate over the ethics of Dutch the Greek, and the hapless Fredrik being bullied by a beetle. At a table against the wall, Beets the poet ruminates on the tyrannies of self-awareness, while down the road, ex-server Erin hatches a wicked plot for severing ties with Edward... According to Haley, everyone is a devil spinner, though not every formula is freeing: "Sometimes we spin to make the needle skip, sometimes we spin for the comfort of the groove." Whether they favour the skips or the grooves, readers who appreciate a novel twist in a well-spun yarn, liberally laced with humour and heart, will find congenial company in The Devil Spinners.
The Devil Spinners
Meet The Devil Spinners: edge-dwellers, poets and lovable scoundrels who bluster, blunder and bellow their way to redemption-or not-between stops at Crawley's Pub. Each faces a moment of life-bafflement, brief or prolonged, that finds resolution through a shift in perception, an unexpected intervention, a kind word, or in one case, an insect. The stories are set on the B.C. coast in an indeterminate era when screens, though present, have not yet dominated every public place. At Crawley's, live conversation rules and a haphazard harmony prevails as bartender Gabe and her co-workers serve a ragtag assortment of neighbourhood regulars. Over the course of fifteen stories, we find Mike the lawyer advising Sam the towboat man on his faulty DUI charge, Haley the musician describing to Gabe how a detour in his travels led to lessons in devil spinning, the mad Professor Weibel refereeing the Great Debate over the ethics of Dutch the Greek, and the hapless Fredrik being bullied by a beetle. At a table against the wall, Beets the poet ruminates on the tyrannies of self-awareness, while down the road, ex-server Erin hatches a wicked plot for severing ties with Edward... According to Haley, everyone is a devil spinner, though not every formula is freeing: "Sometimes we spin to make the needle skip, sometimes we spin for the comfort of the groove." Whether they favour the skips or the grooves, readers who appreciate a novel twist in a well-spun yarn, liberally laced with humour and heart, will find congenial company in The Devil Spinners.
Fragile Hearts
A collection of short stories that explore the complexities of the human heart. Navigating through friendship, loss, betrayal, and more, these stories highlight the positivity and joy that can be found even amidst conflict and crisis. Do we always come out better, or simply changed, after living through such circumstances? The author hopes that reading this work will provide you with an answer
Stories Of A Western Town
"Stories of a Western Town" by Octave Thanet is a collection of tales that vividly capture life in a small Midwestern town during the late 19th century. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book delves into the essence of community, portraying the tight-knit social fabric and daily life of the townspeople. Each story reflects on the moral values that guide the characters, revealing the ethical and moral dilemmas they face in their interactions and decisions. The backdrop of the town is steeped in tradition, with a strong emphasis on preserving cultural and social norms amidst the inevitable tide of social change. The book also touches upon the tension between progress and traditional values, illustrating the impact of modernity on the rural setting. Despite the struggles and changes, the stories emphasize the enduring spirit of the community and the characters' ability to adapt and thrive. "Stories of a Western Town" is a rich tapestry of rural American life, offering a poignant and insightful look into the human condition within the framework of a close-knit community.
On The Frontier
"On the Frontier" is a captivating tale set against the backdrop of the American West during the era of pioneering expansion. This historical fiction novel vividly portrays the challenges and adventures faced by settlers and pioneers as they carve out a new life in the wilderness. The narrative unfolds amidst the rugged landscapes of the frontier, where brave men and women embark on a journey of exploration and survival. As they navigate the untamed wilderness, they encounter both natural obstacles and the complexities of forging communities in uncharted territories. Against the backdrop of Manifest Destiny, the novel explores themes of courage, perseverance, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It delves into the personal journeys of its characters, from the pioneers' initial aspirations to the harsh realities they confront on the frontier. Through its depiction of frontier life, "On the Frontier" captures the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined America's westward expansion. It celebrates the pioneers' indomitable spirit and their determination to build a future amidst the challenges of the wilderness, making it a compelling narrative that resonates with themes of exploration, survival, and the enduring quest for freedom and opportunity.
Tales Of Two Countries
Tales of Two Countries" is a collection of short stories by Alexander Lange Kielland, first published in 1889. The collection showcases Kielland's literary prowess and his keen eye for social critique, offering readers a vivid depiction of Norwegian life and the cultural contrasts between Norway and other countries. As with much of Kielland's work, these stories blend realism with social commentary, addressing themes such as hypocrisy, social inequality, and the complexities of human nature Many stories in "Tales of Two Countries" explore the hypocrisy prevalent in society. Kielland uses his characters and their interactions to highlight the often contradictory nature of social norms and personal behavior. This critique is a hallmark of Kielland's work, as he sought to expose and challenge the moral and social failings of his time. Kielland's writing in "Tales of Two Countries" is marked by its clarity, wit, and incisive social observations. His realist approach allows him to portray his characters and settings with great authenticity, while his use of satire and irony provides a sharp edge to his critiques. "Tales of Two Countries" was well-received for its insightful portrayal of societal issues and its engaging narrative style. The collection remains an important part of Kielland's literary legacy, showcasing his talent for blending social critique with compelling storytelling. Tales of Two Countries" by Alexander Lange Kielland is a compelling collection that offers readers a glimpse into Norwegian life and the cultural contrasts between Norway and other countries. Through his keen observations and vivid characterizations, Kielland provides a rich and engaging exploration of the social issues and moral dilemmas of his time. The stories in this collection continue to resonate with readers, highlighting Kielland's enduring relevance as a keen observer and critic of society.
Norse Tales And Sketches
"Norse Tales and Sketches" by Alexander Lange Kielland is a collection of short stories and sketches that delve into various aspects of Norwegian life and society. Kielland, a prominent Norwegian author of the late 19th century, is known for his critical and often satirical view of contemporary society. This collection, though less well-known than some of his novels, showcases his literary talent and his keen eye for social critique. Alexander Lange Kielland (1849-1906) was a leading figure in the "modern breakthrough" in Scandinavian literature. He is celebrated for his realist style and his ability to combine social criticism with engaging storytelling. Kielland's works often address issues such as social injustice, hypocrisy, and the struggles of the lower classes. Although "Norse Tales and Sketches" may not be as widely known as some of Kielland's novels, it is appreciated for its literary quality and its insightful portrayal of Norwegian society. Kielland's works have had a lasting impact on Norwegian literature, and his ability to combine social critique with engaging narratives has secured his place as one of Norway's foremost literary figures. Norse Tales and Sketches" by Alexander Lange Kielland is a compelling collection that offers readers a glimpse into the life and society of 19th-century Norway through the eyes of one of its most perceptive and critical authors. The stories' blend of realism, satire, and cultural detail makes them both entertaining and thought-provoking, continuing to resonate with readers interested in Scandinavian literature and social history.
Near Strangers
Short stories that follow unexpected connections and tell of queer life in America. Winner of the 2023 Autumn House Fiction Prize, Near Strangers is a collection of eight tightly crafted short stories filled with unexpected connections and set against the backdrop of everyday life. These stories center on resilient female protagonists and offer a view into queer life in America outside of its major coastal cities. The characters in Marian Crotty's collection are searching--for understanding, acceptance, or forgiveness. In the title story, an elderly rape crisis volunteer's advocacy for a survivor leads her to reexamine her role in estrangement from her son; in "Halloween," a queer teen is counseled through heartbreak by her unlucky-in-love grandmother; and in "Family Resemblance," a group of families whose children share the same sperm donor is disrupted by the arrival of a minor celebrity. While marginalization, loneliness, and bigotry hover in the distance of Near Strangers, the book's tone is hopeful and invites readers to reflect on our shared human experience with empathy.
One Basket
"One Basket" by Edna Ferber is a poignant collection of short stories set primarily in the American Midwest, where the author draws upon her own upbringing. Through rich character studies and a blend of social realism with humor, Ferber explores the lives of ordinary people facing everyday challenges and triumphs. Her stories delve into women's issues, portraying the complexities of their roles and experiences in early 20th-century America. Each tale in the collection showcases Ferber's ability to capture the cultural and social diversity of the time, offering readers a glimpse into the varied landscapes and lives across the nation. With sensitivity and insight, "One Basket" remains a testament to Ferber's skill in portraying the human condition amidst the backdrop of a changing America. Women feature prominently in many of the stories, embodying a range of roles and aspirations that reflect the evolving social landscape of the time. Ferber's portrayal of female characters is nuanced and multifaceted, offering insights into the challenges they face and the resilience they exhibit in pursuit of their dreams. Moreover, "One Basket" stands out for its exploration of regional identity and the cultural milieu of the Midwest. Ferber captures the essence of small-town life, rural settings, and the aspirations of ordinary Americans striving for better lives amidst changing times. Overall, "One Basket" remains a timeless collection that not only entertains but also serves as a mirror to the complexities and aspirations of early 20th-century America, as seen through the eyes of one of its most insightful storytellers, Edna Ferber.
Ruined a Little When We Are Born
For fans of Carmen Maria Machado and Jhumpa Lahiri, Ruined a Little When We Are Born delivers a stunning exploration of family and motherhood against the backdrop of Indian diaspora and culture. Tara Isabel Zambrano weaves elements from both the physical and supernatural worlds to beg the question: are we all ruined a little from our first breath? A young couple ponders their opposing religions after one of them finds a cow's tongue left on their porch. A widow helps her neighbor mourn the death of his wife by burying the woman's belongings in the backyard. A mother forces her daughter to undergo various rituals to lighten her skin to find a good match. And when a man needs a son as his heir, he brings his new, much younger wife to live with his current wife and daughter, changing his daughter's life in ways she couldn't have imagined. In stunning prose, Zambrano's stories traverse the delights and fears of parenthood in terrifying clarity, exploring the suppression and display of desire in women and girls in daring candor.
Small in Real Life
Small in Real Life invokes the myth and melancholy of Southern California glamor, of starry-eyed women and men striving for their own Hollywood shimmer and the seamy undersides and luxurious mystique of the Golden State. Exiled to a Malibu rehab, an alcoholic paparazzo spies on his celebrity friend for an online tabloid. Down to her last dollar, a Hollywood hanger-on steals designer handbags from her dying friend's bungalow. Blinded by grief, an LA judge atones after condescending to a failed actress on a date. When hunger for power, fame, and love betrays the senses, the characters in these nine stories must reckon with false choicesand their search for belonging with the wrong people. Small in Real Life offers an insider's view of California and the golden promises of possibility and redemption that have long made the West glitter.
Sad Grownups
For those who've been sad and tried not to be, seventeen stories about the absurdity of searching for joy in a dying world. A neighborhood of picturesque content-creation houses perched on too-green lawns in a California desert; a meandering stampede of unleashed dogs on the streets of San Francisco; a skein of snow geese alighting in a state park in Missouri; an uncanny fundraising auction at an upscale suburban-DC prep school. Inhabiting these worlds of disconnection and dislocation are the "sad grownups" a middle-aged queer couple arguing over whether to have children, a college professor dying from cancer, two recent high school graduates plotting a robbery, a sixty-year-old counselor at a boys' summer camp sheltering herself from the realities of life-all connected more closely to the landscapes around them than to other people, searching fervently for liberation, understanding, and even happiness, wherever and however they might be found.
My Worst Headache
In My Worst Headache, Kring invites readers into the tumultuous landscape of their life-a life marked by an intensely persistent headache that surpassed the bounds of pain. As the severity of this enduring affliction increased, Kring was unaware that it foreshadowed a more profound and life-altering tempest: a hemorrhagic stroke that would redefine every aspect.This heartfelt memoir explores the deepest recesses of physical and emotional anguish, providing a personal depiction of resilience in the face of insurmountable challenges. From the overwhelming burden of the "worst headache" to the transformative aftermath of a stroke, Kring lays bare their innermost self, encouraging readers to observe the vulnerability and strength coexisting within the human journey.
Dissonant Dreams
Collected for the first time in one volume!Over 20 years in the making!Matthew Barron's thought-provoking sci-fi, horror and fantasy tales will live with you long after you've closed this book!Rare & unpublished short stories by Matthew Barron along with stories previously appearing in Generation X-ed, Sci Phi Journal, Ill-Considered Expeditions, The Dread Machine, And the Dead Shall Sleep No More, Outpost of Beyond, House of Horror and more!A man believes he's created a universe in his basement, but his wife insists it's just a simulation.Annie and Ted become hopelessly lost in a seemingly abandoned subdivision, but they are not alone.A student's young friends are dying of apparent natural causes, but the apparition now hunting her is anything but natural.Joanie finally escaped, but freedom is scary too.The missionaries say beware the monster who stalks the longest night of the year.The specter terrorizes her every night, but she doesn't want to let it go. The handsome count in the ruined castle looks too good to be true.A mysterious box gives a divorcee new power.The psyche ward is no refuge when the monster is locked inside with you.Jigoku Island was never explored for a reason... A marshmallow wages war with tyranny.A veteran seeks a cure for his illness but finds a fantastic adventure.John confronts his midlife crisis by gambling with his past.THESE STORIES AND MANY MORE AWAIT YOU WITHIN!
Dissonant Dreams
Collected for the first time in one volume!Over 20 years in the making!Matthew Barron's thought-provoking sci-fi, horror and fantasy tales will live with you long after you've closed this book!Rare & unpublished short stories by Matthew Barron along with stories previously appearing in Generation X-ed, Sci Phi Journal, Ill-Considered Expeditions, The Dread Machine, And the Dead Shall Sleep No More, Outpost of Beyond, House of Horror and more!A man believes he's created a universe in his basement, but his wife insists it's just a simulation.Annie and Ted become hopelessly lost in a seemingly abandoned subdivision, but they are not alone.A student's young friends are dying of apparent natural causes, but the apparition now hunting her is anything but natural.Joanie finally escaped, but freedom is scary too.The missionaries say beware the monster who stalks the longest night of the year.The specter terrorizes her every night, but she doesn't want to let it go. The handsome count in the ruined castle looks too good to be true.A mysterious box gives a divorcee new power.The psyche ward is no refuge when the monster is locked inside with you.Jigoku Island was never explored for a reason... A marshmallow wages war with tyranny.A veteran seeks a cure for his illness but finds a fantastic adventure.John confronts his midlife crisis by gambling with his past.THESE STORIES AND MANY MORE AWAIT YOU WITHIN!
I Will Wander on
I WILL WANDER ON: VOLUME ONE is a collection of fifteen bloodcurdling short stories, delivering a terrifying and captivating examination of life, love, and death. Delve into the depths of the human psyche, and encounter a diverse array of horrors: from the supernatural to the psychological. Award winning writer Ron Prasad has given new, contemporary life to familiar tropes- exploring the unnerving themes of otherworldly invasions, sinister boogeymen, encounters with mysterious creatures, and vicious revenge. Whether it's a mansion teeming with spirits, the relentless pursuit of the walking dead, exploration of a hellish afterlife, or the eerie whispers of long-forgotten serial murders; he draws the audience into an immersive world where the lines between reality and nightmares are blurred. Each unique story is filled with rich narrative, vivid characters, spine-tingling twists- with a dash of social commentary. I WILL WANDER ON embodies imaginative horror that not only chills, but provokes thought and pulls at the heartstrings; resonating long after the last page is turned- enthralling readers with its blend of atmospheric settings and heart-pounding suspense. Pushing the boundaries of fear- these short stories offer a fresh perspective on timeless concepts, making this collection a must-read for horror enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
I Will Wander on
I WILL WANDER ON: VOLUME ONE is a collection of fifteen bloodcurdling short stories, delivering a terrifying and captivating examination of life, love, and death. Delve into the depths of the human psyche, and encounter a diverse array of horrors: from the supernatural to the psychological. Award winning writer Ron Prasad has given new, contemporary life to familiar tropes- exploring the unnerving themes of otherworldly invasions, sinister boogeymen, encounters with mysterious creatures, and vicious revenge. Whether it's a mansion teeming with spirits, the relentless pursuit of the walking dead, exploration of a hellish afterlife, or the eerie whispers of long-forgotten serial murders; he draws the audience into an immersive world where the lines between reality and nightmares are blurred. Each unique story is filled with rich narrative, vivid characters, spine-tingling twists- with a dash of social commentary. I WILL WANDER ON embodies imaginative horror that not only chills, but provokes thought and pulls at the heartstrings; resonating long after the last page is turned- enthralling readers with its blend of atmospheric settings and heart-pounding suspense. Pushing the boundaries of fear- these short stories offer a fresh perspective on timeless concepts, making this collection a must-read for horror enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.
The Late Shift Specialist
A collection of seventeen contemporary short stories from the writer of the Nick Fisher series of crime novels, the first of which, The Unforgiving Stone, was published in October, 2020. The second in the series is expected in spring, 2021. However, this collection of short stories is not crime writing. These stories are varied: intimate and moving, honest and reflective, quirky and intriguing. Full of colour, character and wry humour, they are written straight from the heart. The collection includes the following stories: The Secretive ManThe Chinaman's DogParadiseThe Garage JobThe Butcher of CadenasJack and the DogfishTea with MumTiltReferendum WakeGive and TakeThe MessageHuman NatureHanging with the BossSolaceThe Headmaster's StudyThe BandThe Late Shift Specialist
A Thing Is Only Known When It Is Gone
Flowers bloom from the body of a man after his lover's touch. Grieving parents find a way to communicate with their lost children. A teacher with water in his veins is held accountable when the extracurricular club he advises goes rogue. In these and other fantastical stories, Joe Baumann explores relationships, mostly queer, through the lens of the bizarre. The stories in A Thing Is Only Known When It Is Gone are told in lyrical, often startling prose. Baumann's experimentation with the surreal avoids gimmick and easy metaphor, keeping the complexity of the characters at the center. The strange worlds of these protagonists distort and reflect our own back to us, like the funhouse mirrors in "Morphology" that begin to change the fabric of reality. Ultimately, we may not want to live in a world in which our broken hearts are on display in external birdcages attached to our bodies. But Baumann's sophisticated, nuanced storytelling makes us wonder, however briefly, whether such a world might be preferable to ours. The emotional poignancy at the heart of each of these stories reaches across the strangeness of all of our possible worlds, tying us together in the universal search for connection.
Grief Hides in the Shadows
In Montreal, Callum is stricken with the unexpected loss of his father, Keith. His life takes a strange turn when he notices a shadow named Kyle following him, guiding him. Unlike a normal shadow, Kyle is a mysterious presence, offering Callum support as he navigates through grief. Along with Shelley, a compassionate and understanding woman he meets, Callum begins to piece back together his shattered life. Grief Hides in the Shadows is a powerful display of the resilience of the human spirit, and how even in their darkest moments, people can find hope and happiness in the shadows.
Dream of a Noble Man
A short story is a piece of imagined life taken out of the flow, so to speak, and given a special cut and polish, a reader can still be made aware of the flow. The story can be seen to fit into life as-a-whole. It can and normally should imply a before-and- after, and also perhaps a context. Admittedly it should not present 'truths of human life' in a general way; it can seldom hold enough material for generalization.
Short Stories - Stories of Hope
How do we set boundaries with people? What can I expect from life if I have had an abusive childhood? How can I learn to communicate better with my spouse? As an adopted person, should I seek out my birth parent? Am I a hoarder? How do I deal with abandonment? The characters in this collection of short stories by Helen McAlley face many dilemmas and gain insights as they seek to work on their problems. For many nowadays the concept of a loving God seems irrelevant, but many of the characters in these stories come to see Him as loving and interested in every detail of their lives. Helen McAlley draws on her experience as a teacher, counsellor, mother, grandmother and Anglican priest to bring together these stories in which every reader will find something they can relate to.
Butterflies
Imaginative, witty, topical stories with unexpected twists and turns.The book portrays snippets of everyday life which contain a deeper meaning than is immediately apparent. There are stories about women who try to prove they are not invisible, people escaping from a cult, coincidental encounters with long lost friends, historical characters who reassert themselves into the present, scenarios which foreshadow what is to come, the danger of relying on other people's philosophy rather than one's own, alongside suggestions on how best to survive Christmas or deal with unwanted intruders.In Butterflies and other stories, Jenny Palmer writes from the vantage point of her home in rural Lancashire. She reflects on the turbulent times in which we live, on how people cope in their everyday lives, whether it be living through lockdown, escaping from a cult, dealing with the 'hostile environment, ' having a pre-payment meter installed, or preparing for an uncertain future. Maintaining a lightness of touch, the stories are imbued with a sense of the healing power of nature and an appreciation of its beauty.
Flask
A new short story from the mind of author Garrett Francis.Since his wife's death, Luke's father has been taking more and more sips from his flask. And Luke's not sure if he likes that. He's also not sure if he likes how people treat him differently now, or if he likes how his dad and Mr. Xavier treat certain customers. Luke's not sure of a lot yet, but he's learning, and that might just be the saddest bit. Set in 1962 Arkansas, "Flask" is a story told through the eyes of an eight-year-old about death, grief, race, and not just where it is we run when we run away, but to whom. If you enjoy short stories from any of the following authors, "Flask" might just resonate with you: Caitlin Horrocks, Adam Johnson, Alice Walker, Raymond Carver, Colum McCann, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jim Harrison, and Karen Russell."Flask" is a story from Strays Like Us, a collection of ten standalone short stories exploring what it means to grow up in America.
The Fly
"Now one could imagine that the little front legs rubbed against each other lightly, joyfully. The horrible danger was over; it had escaped; it was ready for life again." Deft, subtle, and bitingly ironic, Katherine Mansfield's short story is a highly concentrated depiction of grief and cruelty. Taking as its narrative occasion a brief meeting between two bereaved fathers, The Fly remains an outstanding literary portrayal of the shadow cast by the First World War.
Exploring Dark Short Fiction #7
Named "One of the genre's most original and innovative voices" (L.A. Review of Books) and "An expert at terrifying prose" (LitReactor), Canadian author Gemma Files has been penning gritty and macabre fiction since 1993, earning industry awards and critical acclaim from sources such as National Public Radio, Publishers Weekly, and The National Post. Files imbues her cross-genre work with layers like dark stratum: heartbreak upon horror, built over the vignettes of life we may find ourselves in, but for one slight turn of reality.Dark Moon Books and editor Eric J. Guignard bring you this introduction to her work, the seventh in a series of primers exploring modern masters of literary dark short fiction. Herein is a chance to discover-or learn more of-the evocative voice of Gemma Files, as beautifully illustrated by artist Michelle Prebich. Included within these pages are: - Six short stories, one written exclusively for this book- Author interview- Biography and bibliography- Academic commentary by Michael Arnzen, PhD (former humanities chair and professor of the year, Seton Hill University)- ... and more! Enter this doorway to the vast and fantastic: Get to know Gemma Files. Table of Contents includes: - Introduction by Eric J. Guignard- About Gemma Files (A Biography)- In The Poor Girl Taken by Surprise- In The Poor Girl Taken by Surprise: A Commentary- Slick Black Bones and Soft Black Stars- Slick Black Bones and Soft Black Stars: A Commentary- Venio- Venio: A Commentary- Sown From Salt- Sown From Salt: A Commentary- Guising- Guising: A Commentary- Yol- Yol: A Commentary- Why Gemma Files Matters by Michael Arnzen, PhD- In Conversation with Gemma Files- Stories in Pieces: Found Footage Storytelling, or Writing Epistolary Narratives for the 21st Century: An Essay by Gemma Files- A Bibliography of English Language Fiction for Gemma Files
What's With The Pepper?
What's With the Pepper? is a kaleidoscope of stories that will leave you reeling. From the absurdly comic to the chillingly mysterious, Jake Jarmel's tales are a spicy blend of wit, wonder, and the unexpected. Prepare to be tantalized, intrigued, and utterly captivated as you journey through a world where pepper is more than just a spice. Whether you're laughing out loud at the ludicrous escapades of Lord Percival Pepper or holding your breath during the suspenseful "Pepper Mill Mystery," one thing is certain: you won't be able to put this book down. With characters both ordinary and extraordinary, and plots that twist and turn like a pepper vine, this collection is a feast for the imagination. So, buckle up, spice things up, and get ready for a literary adventure unlike any other.
Laughing is Legal!
Laughing is Legal! The primary purpose for writing this book was to create a fun read. I hope my stories will variously entertain you with insights from a physician's perspective, or explain unexpected and fascinating details behind prosaic topics like Money, Marble, or Mosquitoes. Many vignettes are my firsthand accounts of dealing with puzzling personalities and unpredictable behavior of my patients. The non-medical, semi-serious subject matter also provides a scaffold for humor.
Through the Wringer
We came up with this title for an anthology of ten stories from the pages of Pulphouse Fiction Magazine and then had to look up the definition of the word "wringer." Seems a wringer (easily misspelled as "writer") used to be an instrument of torture to squeeze stuff. Yup, that fit. So ten writers in ten stories put their characters through wringers in one form or another in these pages, and it turned out honestly, fantastic fun to read. And amazing how all the stories fit a title we had to look up.
Maggie
This collection features two of Stephen Crane's most striking novellas. Maggie: A Girl of the Streets portrays the harsh realities of slum life in New York City, following Maggie's tragic downfall as she tries to escape her impoverished environment. George's Mother focuses on the complex relationship between a mother and her son, exploring themes of guilt, love, and disillusionment. Both works reflect Crane's naturalistic style and vivid depiction of urban life and societal pressures.
Stories That Should Be Told
The Power of the ParableStories have an incredible power to move hearts, shape minds, and uplift the human spirit. In this collection, Kenneth J. Willers shares a series of 40 short stories and parables that reflect his journey as a human being, a leader, and a faith-filled educator. Willers has seen firsthand how stories can inspire change and deepen our understanding of the world around us. Each story in this compilation offers thoughtful inspiration. Whether you're a leader, a seeker of wisdom, or someone who appreciates the art of storytelling, these narratives will challenge you to think differently about your life and the world. Kenneth J. Willers, MDiv, serves as President of Notre Dame Academy, a Catholic IB World School in Duluth, GA. He previously served as Associate Superintendent of Leadership for Innovation and Growth for the Diocese of Oakland. After a 20-year career as one of the country's most decorated Catholic School Principals, Ken also offers his experience and expertise as a consultant to aspiring and emerging educational leaders.
The Demons Well and Other Short Stories
The Demons Well - and other short stories is a collection of nine tales, some with a magical-realistic element, other with historical settings.
Observations and Nightmares
Over the past twenty years, Jeremy Billingsley has published short stories in numerous print and online sources. His fiction reaches from his roots in the South -- having lived in Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi -- to the horrors he's imagined. His observations reflect the life of a Southerner and explore just how much the gothic has impacted his life. A sick cow and a sick grandfather place extreme expectations on a boy; a trip down a river captures the moments in a man's life as he grows older. These stories follow the fictional Cross family over the generations they've lived, from South Arkansas to the Ozarks. His nightmares were born from these quiet observations and expanded into new territories. A soon-to-be stepparent contemplating the weight of their coming responsibilities sees their fortitude tested by a fast-food restaurant's indoor labyrinthine playground; a child's drawing summons an Ozark legend; an insurance adjuster investigates a claim of demon possession; an engaged couple is asked to sit with a sick aunt living in isolation for the holidays. These stories and more provide insight into Billingsley's mind and reflect life in modern Arkansas, the things observed and the nightmares that disrupt sleep. This collection of short stories spans the southern gothic, life in the south across the generations, and horror stories. Each genre blends seamlessly together, based as much on real life as they are on the nightmares and the mysterious places that exist in the haints and hollers of the Ozarks. The Southern Gothic/southern life short stories center on a particular family. From South Arkansas in the 1930's to the Ozarks and Fayetteville in the 21st Century, we see the family grow, age, learn and live in stories that will both amuse, entertain, and allow readers to contemplate modern southern life. The unrelated horror stories are a perfect treat for those who want a good scare. Drawing on Arkansas myths, legends, ghost stories, and the mind of the author, these stories aim to illuminate life in the South and showcase the uniqueness of Southern horror. When blended with themes of the Southern Gothic, these stories serve as a masterclass in modern Southern horror.
Lonely Strangers
Four stories, four different characters, all bound together by a feeling of solitude. Whether it is a man with no other purpose than burying the dead, or another feeling estranged from people who seem to know exactly who they are. But there is something unnatural, mysterious about the solitude that they face.
A Bigot's Guide to Salvation
Which would you deem the most contemptible sinner: a gluttonous guzzler, a lusty lecher, or maybe a hubristic artist? As the reader, the judgment lies with you alone. Stride forth and unravel the timeless riddle of humanity's repetitive transgressions in this collection of moral fables for modern times. The tales traverse the ages, yet remain ceaseless in their relevance. None can claim immunity from sin's snare - all who live have fallen. From the first bite that banished man from paradise to the perpetual flaws and falsehoods that yet shackle our noble potential, this canonical catalogue chronicles the salacious sins, devious vices and egoic traps which persist in beguiling even the best of us.
Dead Serious Too
Would Stan's eccentric, fun-loving disposition continue to be subdued by low self-esteem and personal insecurities? A timid child who had grown into a slightly less troubled young man, Stan was approaching his nineteenth birthday with a pledge to continue the plan he had embarked upon nine years earlier. Signs of success were emerging. Happily, Stan believed his recent experiences in both his personal and working life were far less daunting and withdrawn than he had once imagined at the age of ten. He seemed to be on the cusp of nurturing a more confident demeanour, with the potential to enrich his life in myriad ways. With perseverance, self-control, and the support of friends and family, Stan sensed his future could develop into something beyond his wildest dreams. His destiny, however, would be shaped by how he responded to the inevitable challenges along the bumpy road of his life. While he acknowledged that some unfortunate or distressing events might strike and later haunt him, his increased confidence gave him hope that such occurrences would be short-lived and interspersed with moments of humour and excitement. Ever the optimist, he dreamed of love and happiness and possibly even forming an affectionate relationship with a lifelong partner. Illustrated through separate linked novellas, narratives of Stan's late teenage years and early adult life can be read as one continuous novel or enjoyed as individual short stories.
all around they're taking down the lights
These are stories about movies and the underside of trying to live up to male tropes. The men in these stories hurt and get hurt. They push too hard and not enough. They disappoint others and themselves. Their movie-moves damage. And their small successes, sometimes empty, sometimes meaningful, happen far from Hollywood.
Six Sherds
The six 'sherds' contained here - whether fragments of a novel, or short stories, or what you will - cover a good deal of ground, from a highly apocryphal tale of an errant young Jesus to a tattooist's caper in Polynesia, stopping off in Renaissance Venice and England at the time of Queen Elizabeth I (with the Royal personage herself making a revealing appearance). These disparate pieces are united by the eternal pursuits of love, desire and the quest for a higher power, all wrapped up in the author's highly individual prose style, which contrives to be at once cynical and Olympian. 'From the stables and pastures of Andrew Motion, the late Max Harris, David K. Wong, and Sid Stebel, comes the author, so shall ye read.' - John Lawson
Corners of My Mind
Corners of My Mind is a captivating collection of American short stories that promises to be the ideal companion for your next flight or bedtime routine. This eclectic assortment of tales delves into the lives of ordinary people who find themselves thrust into extraordinary situations, weaving a rich tapestry of human experience.Within these pages, master storyteller Travis Short draws upon a vast array of sources-his own life, the lives of those around him, and flights of imagination. Each story emerges from a unique spark, be it a vivid dream, a fleeting conversation, or an evocative image. From soldiers and preachers to lonely women and even talking dogs, the characters in Corners of My Mind are as diverse as the stories themselves.In "Old Men Cry Too Easily," readers are introduced to Jacob Monroe, whose seventy-sixth birthday is overshadowed by the haze of Alzheimer's, blurring the lines between celebration and reality. "Trimming Trees for God" unfolds the tale of a radio minister whose charisma ensnares an agnostic listener, leading to a dramatic personal upheaval when the listener's wife leaves him for the pastor. In "Lap Dance" reveals the heartbreak of a widower who is swindled out of his life savings by a seductive pole dancer. "Extra! Extra! Read All About It," a headline provides an unexpected lifeline to a man caught in the throes of infidelity. "In from the Cold" tells of a young soldier abandoned on a frigid North Korean mountain after escaping an abusive home life. Meanwhile, "Julius the Talking Dog" features a canine with remarkable intellect who converses with his master about the Tibetan concept of transference, while maintaining a peculiar silence around everyone else.Each story in Corners of My Mind is imbued with unexpected twists and poignant moments that linger long after the last page is turned. Dive into this collection for a journey through the surprising and often profound corners of the human experience.
