Blog Archives
“Toxic Snap” is finalist in Crystal Lake Publishing’s Special Halloween Challenge!
Remember the poisoned Halloween candy scare of 1982? I do, and as the already terrified big sister to three siblings, it wasn’t fun. (Read more about it here: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/menus/candy-tampering.htm)
That was the inspiration behind my flash fiction piece “Toxic Snap,” which is one of sixteen finalists in Crystal Lake Publishing’s Special Halloween Challenge for its Patreon supporters!
All 16 stories posted starting yesterday—“Toxic Snap” appears today—and Patreon supporters of Crystal Lake Publishing will be able to vote for their favorites. The three top stories will receive a cash prize and also be published in CL’s 2022 Shallow Waters Halloween anthology.
I’m going to put a plug in here for Crystal Lake’s Patreon, simply because I’ve been a supporter there for a few years now and I love the benefits—while there are tiers for readers, there are tiers for writers especially, and I’ve found Read the rest of this entry
Recommendation: DOLL CRIMES, by Karen Runge
If you’ve read my novel Bad Apple and enjoyed it, then don’t miss out on Karen Runge’s Doll Crimes.
This is a gorgeously written, terrifying examination of the complicated mother-daughter relationship; how they love and respect each other despite flaws; how they can damage each other no matter the depth of that love. This is real-life horror that reaches into the very bones of any woman who has loved her mother or daughter despite emotional crimes, big or small. Rife with sharp, stunning details and strong internal narrative, it’s possibly one of the most moving, visually beautiful–and yet accessible–books I’ve ever read, fraught with tension, sadness–and a strange kind of joy, because no matter where we are in our relationships with our mothers or daughters, their men, and the people who have done them wrong, we know that we are not alone. If you love dark fiction and are a mother, daughter, or both; or, if you have struggled with that emotionally fragile, yet seemingly unbreakable, bond between you, then this book is for you. High recommend.
Doll Crimes is published by Crystal Lake Publishing. It’s available everywhere, but here’s the Amazon link for ease: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1646693140/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_aRO5DbJF27VPK
Still haven’t read my book Bad Apple? You can get it here: http://bit.ly/BadAppleKPS
My mother (left) and I didn’t have the easiest relationship. She died when she was 39 and I was 15. DOLL CRIMES really spoke to me.
“Last Christmas” posted!
My story “Last Christmas” –a flash piece I wrote for Crystal Lake Publishing’s Shallow Waters November Flash Fiction Challenge–is up today for Patreon Supporters of Crystal Lake Publishing! If you’d like to check it out, you can make a $5/month Fans of Fiction pledge (you can change this at any time) and vote. The first two stories posted were really good stuff, and I’m sure the remaining 10 are going to be great, too. Here’s where you can sign up, read, and vote if you like:
I’m celebrating: “Last Christmas” a finalist!
This is my favorite Christmas wine glass. I think I got it at Christmas Tree Shops, but it always comes out when I want to celebrate something holiday-related–even if it isn’t that time of year!
I’m pleased to announce that “Last Christmas”–a flash piece I wrote for Crystal Lake Publishing’s Shallow Waters November Flash Fiction Challenge–has made the final round! This month’s challenge was “creepy stories with a twist ending that take place in a graveyard.” My story shares the list with thirteen others.
Normally, I don’t announce when a piece is a finalist or is shortlisted–I consider that bad luck. However, this contest is a different animal. The winner will be selected based on the votes of the publication’s Patreon supporters, and so in that case, it truly is a crap shoot. I’m just happy I made it to the finals.
I had a wonderful time writing this piece–I’ve always loved a theme challenge. I’m hoping to do more in the future. It forces me to think outside the box as well as practice word economy and other skills. But mostly? Yeah, it’s just FUN!
I’ll be back Thursday with the link to my story.
