It’s that time of year when I feel alternatingly like a greasy self-promo slime bucket and a proud justified author sharing her work. Yes, it’s awards eligibility season, and the only way to be considered for Most of the Things™ is to share Your Things™ and hope people bother to read them. SO! 2021 has been simple and sweet for me with two original short stories, both horror/dark fantasy.
“If Those Ragged Feet Won’t Run”
Stranded between the safety of two villages, a mother must protect her newborn from the nightbirds—terrifying creatures who hunt using sound.
“I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that takes these very real postpartum details and weaves them into the tale. The result is a tense, taut, and breathtaking chase story that had me on the edge of my seat. And the added twist of the tale, when we realize we’re dealing with not one but two mothers… adds to the story’s harrowing brilliance.” –Maria Haskins
“If Those Ragged Feet Won’t Run” appeared in Apex Magazine Issue 122. You can read it in its entirety for free on Apex-magazine.com, or you can listen to it for free on their podcast, Episode #76, read beautifully by Philippa Ballantine.
“You Ought Not Smile As You Walk These Woods”
A dark fairy tale about a young man who doesn’t heed his grandmother’s warnings about the teeth fairies who live in the woods.
“You Ought Not Smile As You Walk These Woods by Annie Neugebauer caused me to wonder whether a story can be simultaneously cute and horrifying. This one certainly feels like it strikes that balance with its dark sense of humor and a classic (in the violent and bloody sense) fairy tale feel. Like all good fairy tales, this one comes with a moral: Always listen to your elders, respect nature, and never think you’re cleverer than a fairy – especially one with a fondness for teeth.” –A.C. Wise
“You Ought Not Smile As You Walk These Woods” is in Shadow Atlas: Dark Landscapes of the Americas by Hex Publishers. You can order it now on Amazon. You can get the ebook for just $4.99, but if you’re a physical book lover in any measure you should really consider splurging for the hardback. I’ve gotten a sneak peek and this book is absolutely stunning!
That’s it! All I want for Christmas this year is for you to read my stories, and if you love them, share them with friends. Happy holidays!
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