Split Ends: A Little Background On A Short Story...

 

The following is my latest blog post on my author website. Our official book launch is on Halloween Day so I need to get the word out. If you'd like to access my author blogpost go: HERE.

From ScottWilliamTaylor.com

Halloween Day signals the release of Xchyler Publishing’s latest, Shades And Shadows, A Paranormal Anthology. One of the nine stories contained in the book is mine.

A little about my story, Split Ends. I’ve never written a paranormal story even though I find the subject fascinating. So when Xchyler announced the theme of paranormal for their next anthology, I started to think about what I could contribute to the project. I thought about relationships and that led me to what ultimately became Split Ends.

The story revolves around two people, people who have known each other for decades. It’s set in a beauty salon (something else I have little experience in…). Since I lack experience writing in the genre, I felt I couldn’t “out scare” or “out gore” the other submissions. I wanted my story to be different from the other short stories, and I was right.

Over the last month on my daily blog, ScottyWattyDoodleAllTheDay.Blogspot.com, I reviewed each of the stories in the book, except mine. My reviews were not extensive–I didn’t want to give away too many spoilers. I tried to give some honest opinions and flavor of each story. They’re all so different, so I suppose my tale fits right in.

If you’re interested in ghost stories that contain both the expected and unexpected, check out Shades And Shadows, A Paranormal Anthology. You can find the Amazon like to the book: HERE. I’d love to hear what you think out how it all turned out.

Crossroads, By Neve Talbot...A Review

The following is a final review of another story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. This story in the anthology is titled Ghost Townies, by E. Branden Hart.

Crossroads, a word meaning a location where roads meet, or it can be used as a metaphor...a moment when a decision must be made so that consequences of the decision can play themselves out. Neve Talbot's Crossroads contains both.

The story is longer than all other stories in the anthology, a fact I had not realized until I began writing this review. It certainly doesn't feel like a long read. Talbot takes the time it needs for the reader to really understand the central characters. It's more than a snapshot moment in their lives. She digs deeper, and the result is appreciated. 

The story deals with a death--a given for such an anthology. The characters, as do we after such an event, confront their our own mortality. Death makes us look inward. We take stock of our own lives and we contemplate not only the decisions we have made, but the ones we're making right now. We are forced to confront ourselves in a way that makes us uncomfortable, for death is the final word in our own personal "book of life."

Reading Talbot's words is such an enjoyable experience. They comfort and surround and conjure pleasure as the story unfolds, a story never rushed, but timed perfectly. I have read Talbot's steampunk selection in Mechanized Masterpieces Steampunk Anthology, in which she uses another writer's story as her backdrop. With Crossroads, she steps away from the that canvas and allows her work to shine. It's a really well done story. Thanks Neve for its inclusion and happy birthday!

Ghost Townies, By E. Branden Hart...A Review

The following is a review of the another story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. This story in the anthology is titled Ghost Townies, by E. Branden Hart.

One of the things that have fascinated me about the prospect of ghosts is--except for scaring you to death--I don't see them as being able to inflict physical harm. I mean, if there is some entity that was once a living person and all that now remains is their soul, there's not much they can do to a person. I may be completely wrong, but I keep hold of this theory so that just in case I ever run into a ghost, my hopefully rational mind will tell me that "it's just a ghost--it can't hurt you."

If I ever believe the terrifying world created by E. Branden Hart, however, my theory is down the crapper. You see, in Hart's world, ghosts can not only hurt you, they can kill.

The story beings in a library. The two characters, Dean and Jimbo search the abandoned space where a couple of dozen people have died. To the reader the world is unknown. We're not sure of the rules in this new reality, but Hart does an amazing job filling us in so we can understand what's going on. But he doesn't give us too much too soon. The addition of a new character allows the author to give us more until finally we have a complete picture of how things work. I enjoyed the pace at which Hart allowed us to get to know his world.

The entire story takes place within a couple of days. It's a tale of survival and the bonds of friendship where sticking together appears to be the best way to survive among the dead. The story's tempo is crisp with a wonderful combination of humor and tension. It's a fun read.

Like I said, I wouldn't want to find myself waking up in Hart's story. I prefer my ghosts like the ones in books or in the movies--they can scare, but that's about it.

Tombstone, By Scott E. Tarbet...A Review

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The following is a review of the another story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. This story in the anthology is titled Tombstone, by Scott E. Tarbet.

Ever wonder what The Beverly Hillbillies would be like if Jed Clampett never left Arkansas, but instead remained at the homestead and was murdered by his offspring? I know I never have, but if you're interested in this alternative version of a fictional reality, you'll LOVE Tombstone.

I hope the mention of a murder in the preceding paragraph isn't too much of a spoiler for you, dear reader. It's obvious from the first page that we're hearing a first-hand account of a man and a crime, a crime performed decades earlier and chronicled by a paranormal investigator. The colorful language (not profanity colorful) and southern dialect transport us to a time when a man's commitment to homestead was sacrosanct. Nothing in this life or the next will made him leave the land he loves.

Tarbet gives us a tale of jealousy, greed, revenge, and--in the end--genealogy. The narration is fun, even while describing the worst of humanity. When you're done, you'll know the secrets of a mystery that's been unknown for years. I thought the story was about Tombstone, the city, and I wondered if it would be a little dry. I was wrong--on both counts. Great job, Scott!

* Thanks Penny for the photo!

Shades And Shadows...It's Coming

On Halloween of this year Xchyler Publishing will produce Shades & Shadows, A Paranormal Anthology. Halloween, a great day to release this book.

The past couple of weeks I've been reviewing the stories in this anthology. I'm abut halfway through and I hope to get the rest of the stories edited soon. It's a good way for me to read the material myself. I love reading the other stories in a book where one of my stories is included.

This title is also found in Goodreads. Here's the link: GOODREADS LINK. Those of you with an account, please go and check it out.

Also, we're looking for some ARC readers. We'd LOVE to have you enjoy the book and post a review. Us authors are a fickle bunch--we LOVE feedback. Let me know if you're interested and I'll see what I can do.

I can't emphasis enough how wonderful an experience it's been to work with Xchyler. As a writer you hear things about how writers are treated by publishers, editors, basically everyone involved in turning the author's dream into a reality. For some authors, those dreams have become nightmares. For me, however, Xchyler has been nothing but professional.

But they've been more than that. They've been respectful of what I've created, of what I want to do and how my contributions add to the overall mission of the company. This is the second project I've been fortunate enough to participate in. It gets better and better every time.

Stay tuned for more reviews from the book and I hope you can join us for the book launch on October 31. Paranormal anthology launched on Halloween, a great day to release this book.

Cost Of Custody, By R.M. Ridley...A Review

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The following is a review of the another story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. This story in the anthology is titled Cost of Custody, by R.M. Ridley.

Cost of Custody presents the reader with a "day in the life" of a private investigator named Jonathan, a man with special skills. Jonathan's the kind of person you're not quite sure you want to know. He's someone who's seen things. However, within this story, there's no one better for a distraught couple to meet.

Jonathan meets Ben Tate after work. The two talk about Ben's problem and Jonathan decides to take the gig. They drive to Ben's ex-wife's house and the story deepens. Along the way we learn of Jonathan's abilities and reality takes interesting turns.

The tempo of Ridley's narration is smooth, even, well-paced. He doesn't dwell too much on a scene or event before he takes the reader to the next act. He includes enough information to paint the picture without dragging down the story. Ridley is especially effective in presenting the final conflict. The fear is real, the situation dangerous.

Like other stories in this anthology, it's reads surprisingly quick. Before you know it, you've finished a structured and complete story. And, if you're like me, you will have enjoyed it very much.

* Author Photo used without permission from: https://www.facebook.com/rmridley

Child Of The Underworld, By Marian Rosarum...A Review

The following is a review of the another story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. This story in the anthology is titled Child of the Underworld, by Marian Rosarum.

This story, Child of the Underworld, was a departure from the other stories I've read in the anthology. That's not completely fair to say because every story is different, but this one was like none of the others I've read so far.

Rosarum does a great job. Her style is rich and involving. By using uses words which compliment without overwhelming the story the author creates an underground world where the rules of survival are harsh and unforgiving. The main character, Princess Lara searches desperately for a way out of her world, or her jail. She finds an ally and makes her escape. 

As colorless and void of life is the realm below, the world above eclipses anything Lara's heard about or dreamed about. However, as is with most things, what Lara wants most comes with conditions she coud not have anticipated (unless, Lara would have followed her mother's advice...).

The story reminded me of a classic mother/daughter tale. We have rebellion, desire, betrayal, and an ending which leaves the reader wondering what actually comes next. Will Lara's dream become a reality? Or will it turn into a nightmare? You can find out when Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology is available from Xchyler Publishing on Halloween Day, 2013.

The Death Of Dr. Marcus Wells, By J. Aurel Guay...A Review

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The following is a review of the last story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. The last story in the anthology is titled The Death of Dr. Marcus Wells, by J. Aurel Guay.

This review is payback, of sorts. When my first published story appeared in the Mechanized Masterpieces Steampunk Anthology earlier this year, Guay wrote a blog post for each story and he instantly became our favorite fan. I'm sure the other authors were like me as we all waited with heightened anticipation for our turn to be critiqued. Guay was especially kind to my story. I believe the attention he gave our book helped him to become a published author himself.

I borrowed the above picture fro J. Aurel Guay's website. You can access it: HERE. What a great job of self promotion he's done. Looking at the impressive artwork in the photo you can guess what kind of story Guay's written.

And you'd be correct.

This transformation horror story set in Victorian England packs a lot into a short story. We meet Dr. Marcus Wells, doctor in residency, after he's suffered a personal loss, leaving him a broken man. With the ring as a memento, Marcus tries to carry on with his life. But as his heart tries to mend, strange occurrences weave a cloud of mystery for the mourning man.

Marcus finds himself involved in a world of monsters, where his sense of reality is turned upside down. I don't want to explain too much of the story--I don't want to deny you the pleasure of reading the story--but when Guay begins describing one of these transformations, his attention to detail made my stomach churn a bit. It's not too graphic. It's just, shall I say, thorough. 

You may or may not like the ending. I've been known to do the same thing with a story or two, so now I know how my readers felt when reading some of my stories (like I said, the review's a payback...). Great story, fun read, definitely worth the time you'll put in reading!

* Photo used without permission from: http://jaurelguay.wordpress.com/

China Doll By Ginger Mann...A Review

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The following is a review of the second story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. This story in the anthology is titled China Doll, by Ginger Mann.

The second story in this paranormal anthology differs greatly from the first. Where the first focused on creepy things going "bump" in the night, China Doll takes another path. It's a more cerebral. Mann introduces us to the item after which the story's named, and Kris, the owner of the precious doll. 

I suppose the picture I've used on this blog post is a small spoiler alert, and I apologize for that, but the doll is a device Mann uses to develop a strong central character in Kris. We see life through the eyes of a young girl who loses the one thing she loves more than anything in life. We feel her joy, her pain, the choices she must make. The story is well-paced and the chapter breaks move the story along. When I finished I was surprised at how quickly I read through the entire thing.

China Doll takes its reader on a journey where family love, a child's heartache, and magic take center stage. The ending allowed my mind to explore the possibilities. Ginger Mann did a great job on a sweet and sometimes sad story.

* Photo Saving Face, by Amy Haskins used without permission from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/91571659@N03/8394028863/in/photolist-dMKAkz-5HLSCJ-5CZzcj-dWMd6k-7V6W8W-qWqKZ-8LDmBi-5QZ8vm-6qE612-5FAB67-WaSmN-5e2FCH-bEeg1r-6jJAs2-cDj14G-unMk-dguyrz-7HSPYt-ekHriW-7HSP3K-bp8oaR-4YsRQy-7M6Prm-72jyj7-dRDyJw-8GaPen-8GdZt3-8GaPoc-9oQCtg-9gHKYP-9p7b4h-brjrKJ-eqowVP-6t8Qrc-6tcYoG-6vGUL-Jezav-fsEtH7-3RLNYb-eABkCY-8jYWP-e1cUMR-68Uitg-6tcYw7-2CvAJ7-dXFZfa-uTvKG-7BFw2P-bYMPPN-9pg48r-bbDNjK?reg=1&src=sharev3#

Music Man by Eric White...A Review

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The following is a review of the first story in the upcoming Shades And Shadows Paranormal Anthology, to be released Halloween Day, 2013 from Xchyler Publishing. There are nine short stories focused on the paranormal, as well as a forward by the multi-talented Ben Hansen of SyFy Channel's Fact or Faked. The first story in the anthology is titled Music Man, by Eric White.

The story, Music Man, centers around a decade's old mystery and one man's obsession to make things right. The narrator paints for us a picture of an almost idyllic childhood memory, a memory we know cannot end well. White masterfully transports us to an age of children where adventures consume their thoughts and actions. 

The story, however, is interrupted by details relived in the narrator's tortured mind. He sets up the scene, then slowly introduces plot points that change a child's world of wonder to a nightmare where betrayal, and evil dwell. White takes the most vulnerable character and makes him the victim.

Without disclosing too much of the story, when you think it will end, it continues and doubles down on its strange reality. With half the story consumed I could not envision the ending, which left me considering the future of the characters.

The narration is choppy as it jumps from present day to the narrator's memory of events, almost as if we can feel the storyteller's angst in his retelling. I found this very effective as it helped set the tone of the story.

It drew me in and made my mind expand with possibilities. It's one reason I love short stories. It's the first story in the anthology. I can't wait to read the rest. Well done, Eric!

* Photo used without permission from Eric's Facebook Site: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=391937140906764&set=pb.105288346238313.-2207520000.1380412597.&type=3&theater