I’m honored to be a part of an upcoming anthology from Sanderley Studios, centered around hope and healing in the midst of trauma and PTSD.
Once upon a time, a set of books gave me a code when a lot didn’t make sense in the world. Ultimately, I also found purpose. Books aren’t just words on paper.
There aren’t words enough to support those who have fought through their personal hells. But stories are another matter. Stories bring connections. This story was my effort to reach out a hand to those who are too lost to ask for help.
And if the darkness calls out your name, if that seeping void of emptiness lures you inside its stifling boundaries…you are not alone, even though you may not be able to see or sense your brothers and sisters. We’re here regardless, whether you see us or not.
In the United States, the new mental crisis hotline number is 988, nationwide. More US resources listed here. United Kingdom. Australia. Canada. Drop others in the comments section if you know them.
It doesn’t take much to make a difference. Sometimes a few words are enough, when they’re the right words.
I hope you enjoy The Way the World Ends, my short story in the Can’t Go Home Again anthology. It’ll be available in ebook format 20 November. Here’s the story blurb:
Klad Rieger isn’t a soldier to stop and smell the roses. Scent is mere sensory data when flowers are crushed beneath his boots on his way to the next mission. And the next. And the next, until it blurs into an endless haze of haunting purpose. But when the Empire abandons him, can he find the strength for one final mission?
And here’s the cover, which somehow managed to capture Klad precisely, down to the haunted expression. I couldn’t have described it to you if I’d tried, but it’s perfect.
Check out more details – and a lighter adult coloring book, now available – from Sanderley Studios here.
Interesting things that happened during this process:
I got over my fear of “writing out loud.” The More Odds Than Ends writing prompt group has been fantastic for this. I don’t always have time to get the prompt done, or done well. It usually got done anyway.
I broadened. MOTE, again, opened my horizons here. I didn’t always like my prompts, and sometimes found them quite challenging. They certainly were not things that my brain would have conceived – and that’s fantastic.
I learned things. Not just craft, what works and what doesn’t, but also how to run a website.
I got it done. Do I think June’s story is good enough to share with the world? Sure. It won’t be to everyone’s taste. That’s okay. Neither am I. Won’t try to claim I won’t get upset over my first one star review, but it’s not the end of the world, either.
Other things became a matter of expediency.
I tried covers. I really, really, really tried. You do not want to see these. I do not wish to share them. I spent nearly two months seeking a photo of a woman holding a sword who was also wearing actual clothes. So finally, I asked for help. Trust me, everyone is better off for this.
I didn’t bother with ISBNs. I can always republish a new edition later. I’m taking the long view.
Did I achieve everything I set out to do? No, and it took too long from when I posted about public accountability.
I have so far to go, and so many more things to learn.
But the ultimate goal of publication was achieved, and I’ll celebrate that milestone for all it’s worth.
It’s 2020, after all. Small wins matter.
Do you need a magical professor in your life? Of course you do. Paladin’s Sword is just the book you didn’t know you were looking for as a holiday gift. Right?
Dr. June Porter is headed for New Hampshire as a professor, brand-new PhD in hand. The last thing she wants in her new life is more magic, so of course that’s exactly what she finds. Magic, and a mysterious Irishmand with emerald eyes. But there’s little time for dalliance when historical artifacts begin taking a life of their own and threaten the campus. Can June reclaim her magic, protect her students – and keep her job?
This year, I’ve decided I need to do three things.
First, I need to interact more with other authors, which means admitting I am one.
It also means practice. I’ve decided to join the weekly prompt challenge over at More Odds Than Ends. If time permits, I’ll also write the prompt I submit as well. I’ll be posting here and would love feedback – good, bad, or indifferent.
The second thing is figuring out this website thing. It’s 2020. Time to learn more than basic html.
Finally, this is the year to wrap up stories…and publish them. My brain can’t decide whether to squee incessantly or cue ominous music. Bit noisy in here right now.
