Give Thanks...Felt Like Old Times

 Eleven years ago, a small publisher chose one of my stories to include in an anthology. Unlike almost all the authors I know, I did NOT know from childhood that I wanted to be a writer. Oh, I had dabbled, but I never thought I was smart enough or good enough to actually produce something anyone would want to read.

I went back to school, earned my masters in English, and started writing.

I was almost forty-five years old.

My story, a steampunk re-telling of H.C. Christensen's The Little Match Girl, was published through Xchyler Publishing and in the summer of 2013, a Steampunk Convention was held about ten miles from my house a few months later. I was asked to be on a writing panel about the book, steampunk, and writing in general. I was on Cloud 9. The first story I ever submitted was actually published.

For the next few years, I had a few other stories published, then a collection of my short stories, then a novel. And I kept going to book signings. Those first few were so exciting. My name on books...it felt sort of surreal. People actually buying my books was icing on the cake.

Then, when I didn't generate new material, I'd sit with friends and no one would buy anything from me. I still loved being around other authors, but things had changed. Eventually (and covid didn't help...), I stopped doing signings. 

Our little town has a summer reading kickoff party, in fact, it's called the Summer Reading Kickoff Party. This year's even took place last Friday and I asked if I could participate. They said yes, and I had a blast. I was proud of my little books, proud again of what I've written. That pride sort of dissipated over the years. I talked to everyone who showed up at my table, and as I packed up to go home, I had sold four books.

It's been a long time since I sold that many books at one signing. 

Maybe it's because I have two books written waiting to find a home. Maybe it's because it's been so long since I did a book signing. I don't know, but I do know I'm thankful for the opportunity, the chance to talk to people who love to read. I'm thankful for those who have supported my little hobby for the past ten-plus years and hopefully, for years to come. 

Last Friday...well, it felt like old times.

Give Thanks...A Writer Reunion

 Last weekend several writers at various stages of their creative career gathered for a one-day writing conference. It was a reunion for sorts for four of us. Those of us in the above picture all have at least one thing in common...we were all published through a small press, Xchyler Publishing. 

The name brings back so many wonderful memories.

Xchyler was my first paid gig. They published three of my short stories, two steampunk shorts and a paranormal, in various anthologies. The first one came out ten years ago and it changed my life.

I had graduated with my masters in English a few years before. I saw a call for submissions on a steampunk anthology. I entered. My piece was chosen. The year Mechanized Masterpieces came out, I went to my first writing con. As I sat at a vendor table, a family passed, everyone decked out in excellent steampunk cosplay. The father stopped and we chatted. I explained Xchyler was looking for submissions in their anthologies and hopefully publish any novels their short story writers had written. The man took the card.

He was a writer and submitted several stories to Xchyler. His stories were chosen. He told his co-worker about Xchyler and the co-worker submitted stories, too. His were also chosen. Those two authors have gone on to write and edited numerous novels. In addition, they have become ambassadors for writing in my state.

All of us at one time opened a box of books and saw our names on the cover. We can thank Xchyler for that. I'm grateful for Xchyler for publishing our words and stories. I'm grateful I can call these writers friends. I'm grateful someone took a chance on some unknowns. The reunion was wonderful. Hopefully, we can do it again next year.

"Little Boiler Girl"...To Celebrate The Winter Solstice Check Out My Winter Story In "Mechanized Masterpieces"

 Okay, the anthology is not winter-centric, but there's one story in Mechanized Masterpieces, A Steampunk Anthology that is set in the winter and since today is the Winter Solstice, I thought I'd re-introduce you to this gem...

Plus, it's my first published work.

This book came out in the Spring of 2013, almost ten years ago. I can't tell you how excited I was to see my name on the cover of a book. Even now, almost a decade later, I love that cover, and what's perhaps more important, I'm proud of my contribution to the anthology.

The genius idea behind the anthology is to take classic British stories--either the characters or plot or both--and create as shot story that incorporates the Steampunk genre. My story, Little Boiler Girl, focused on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Match Girl. If you'd like to get your own copy of this fine collection, just click: HERE. I'd love to know what you think of it.

The story won't warm you up on a cold winter night, but on this day that has the shortest amount of daylight all year, what better way to curl up with an amazing collection of Steampunk stories with a fire burning in the fireplace, a cat in your lap, and a cup of hot cocoa to take advantage of all the long darkened hours.

Plus, it's a lot of fun.

Anniversary Of A Literary Memory...

 A friend's novel drops today. She's worked years and years on it and it's finally something you can buy in a store and hold in your hand.

What a feeling!

As I meandered through social media this morning, I was tagged on a post, a memory from this date in 2013. It brought back so many memories for me. It was the first time I saw the cover of a book that contained a story I wrote. It was the first time something I wrote was published...in a real book you could hold and read and smell and enjoy and just look at and realize it is a physical manifestation of a dream brought to life.

What a feeling!

That spring and summer everything was new as far as my infant literary career was concerned. Signing my first contract, working with an editor to make my little story as good as it could possibly be, opening the box and grabbing the book and seeing my name on the front cover. It was wonderful. It was something an unpublished writer dreams of happening.

The book, Mechanized Masterpieces: A Steampunk Anthology, went on sale April 19, 2013, but the first time I saw the cover was on the 6th. I thought--and still think--the cover is beautiful and of all the anthologies I've been fortunate enough to be included, this is one of my absolute favorites. Yes, in part because it was my first anthology, but also because each story is a home run. The book is still for sale...if you're interested, you can order it by clicking: HERE.

The experiences from that book taught me a lot. It also opened so many doors, and those doors have opened other doors. In a way, it changed my life.

I had forgotten all about that memory until this morning when I saw the post. I'm glad my fellow author Megan Billings shared her memory that became my memory, too.

Visiting Friends...At The Tremonton Library

In another episode of New Life Is A Lot Like The Way Things Used To Be, I visited the Tremonton Library last week, and once again I was reminded of how life used to be. The library's not the largest collection of books I've ever seen, but it contains many treasures.

I saw many books written by friends.

The library is not big. Of course, in a modern world, you can order books to be delivered to even the smallest of libraries, plus, there's always digital downloads where you can get almost any book ever written. You don't need a big building for that...just a Kindle.

As we browsed, I spotted a book written by a good friend, Scott Tarbet. Scott and I sort of began our literary adventure together, both with Xchyler Publishing. I loved seeing Scott's first novel, A Midsummer Night's Steampunk. I've always loved that cover.

Then, I spotted Dan Willis's The Flux Engine. I met Dan at the first convention I ever attended--also the first time I met Scott Tarbet. The Flux Engine had been released and Dan was pushing it.

I spotted Margot Hovley's Glimmering Light next. I've been friends with Margot for a long time. She's a great author and a better person--so glad to see that book.

Before we left I saw Sara Larson's Warriors of Wing and Flame, I believe it's her latest. I've been fortunate enough to be on a few FanX writing panels with her and she's been kind enough to sign several books for my daughter, books I've read.

I'm sure there are more books from my friends in the library--didn't have time to check them all out. I hope to return many times, and I hope one day my book/books will be among those of my friends.

Even though it's a small building, it contains many treasures.

Xchyler Publishing...Dare To Dream...What A Ride!

I received a notice today that royalties from Xchyler Publishing were sent out.

What a ride!

I hope I don't imply the small publisher is gone or non-existent. As far as I know, you can still order their books. You can go to their website: HERE. I also just checked on Amazon--they're good. But, things have changed. In the past, I've written dozens of blog posts about Xchyler, their books, and their authors and even though none of us will get rich from those royalties, and I'll put Xchyler's stories and covers up against anyone's any day.

I can't fully express how important this imprint has been on my literary career. Without Xchyler Publishing, I don't know if I'd ever publish a novel, or get involved in writing conventions, or been an assistant program director at the Salt Lake FanX Comics Convention.

And this doesn't include all the amazing people I've met along the way.

Xchyler published my first short story in anthology titled, Mechanized Masterpieces; A Steampunk Anthology. They published two more of my short stories. Because of this, I was considered a published author--even though my contribution to the writing community was small. This opened doors for me that may never have opened. This led to meeting other authors and being on panels and allowing me fantastic experiences.

I may never have  another thing published--I hope this isn't the case, but as an author you never know what the future will bring. I'd like to personally thank those at Xchyler, especially Scott Tarbet and Penny Freeman. Scott sent out today's royalties--it's truly a labor of love.

Xchyler Publishing--they created so much more than stories.

Dare to dream.

Ordering Books...Part Of The Process

As a writer, it's bad to attend a writing convention without books to sell. I should know--I seem to find myself doing it all the time.

The latest--this past weekend at Fyrecon.

But, I should say, I wasn't completely without product. I had one copy of my novel Chaser. One.

My last one.

This past weekend I attended Fyrecon 3 for two of the three days. I sat at our publisher's table for a majority of the time I was there. I talked to several people about the company and the books we sell. The company has grown so much recently that not all our titles we've published were there, including mine. 

For years I attended these events with another publisher, Xchyler Publishing. I had short stories in three of their anthologies. I usually didn't bring any books to those events, either, because other authors brought large amounts of the same books I would sell if I brought my own. Needless to say, I haven't made a killing selling my own books.

Maybe things will change now. I've got a couple of cons coming up so tonight, I logged on to my publisher's site and placed an order...not as many as I would have liked to order, but more than I had this past weekend. 

Yes, it's bad to attend a writing convention without books to sell. Hopefully, that won't happen again.

Ben Ireland...An Author You Should Get To Know

"Plus he's British. And not just regular British--space British. 

Which is like three times sexier than earth British."

Ben Ireland

I heard about Ben some time before I met him (oh, and he's Australian, not British...). He and I both published stories with Xchyler Publishing. They chose several of my short stories as well as short stories and a couple of novels from Ben. I always admired the novelists--back then I hadn't written a novel and wondered if I ever would. It's like being a mountain climber, having reached several lower summits, but seeing a Denali, Kilimanjaro, or Everest and wanting so much to climb them, but being terrified to do so at the same time.

If climbing is writing, then Ben's not only climbed the big mountains, but reached the top.

What make's Ben's writing even more impressive is he's two series, one middle-grade and the other, for an older reader. One exciting thing about the Blacksmith Legacy series is it's soon to have another edition. Billy Blacksmith: The Irønsøul is due out later this summer. I'm hoping to get all three books for my son who is just beginning to understand the importance and awesomeness of reading. And I think Ben's books are an excellent way for him to continue on that literary journey.

You can access Ben's Amazon page: HERE. You can also catch him at this year's Fyrecon writing symposium going on this weekend in Layton, Utah. You can access Fyrecon's website: HERE. I attended a class Ben taught last year--definitely engaging, definitely helpful. And--this is really cool--you can get artwork from Ben's books at his Teepublic site: HERE. You can get the images put on shirts, mugs, wall art, even computer covers. Check it out--there's some great stuff there!

One of the most amazing things I've discovered by attending these conventions and writing stories is getting to know local authors--getting to know them both as individuals and as authors. If you get a chance to pick up one of his novels or short stories, I recommend you do it. I'd love to hear what you think. Plus, if you get a chance to meet the author/mountain climber, I recommend you do that, too. Support your local artists--the world's a better place when you do.

Hanging Out...With My Immortal Works Family

  

Last night I, along with a couple dozen other people, gathered at a home in Provo, Utah and we discussed the world of publishing. At least, our little corner of it. The Publisher: Immortal Works. The fact that I'm involved, albeit in a small roll, is an honor.

The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate Aften Brook Szymanski's book, Cheat Code. I haven't read it yet--one of the ones I have on my list. Seeing the book and listening to the author are testaments to the hard work and determination of several people at Immortal Works, most notably Jason King, James Wymore, Holli Anderson, and many others who are working hard to do all they can to make this new publishing concern a success.

I have experience with small press publishers. I had several short stories chosen by Xchyler Publishing. It's hard for me to express just how grateful I am to Penny Freeman and everyone at Xchyler who took chances--not just with my stories--but with taking on the world of publishing in general. They're the reason I almost jumped out of my skin when I found out the first short story I ever submitted was chosen for publication. That's a moment I hope to never forget.

Immortal Works is almost two years old. They've already published almost a dozen books with several in the pipeline. Listening to Aften talk, I heard in her voice and her words that excitement and amazement you get when someone believes in something you've created, so much so, they put in time and resources to create a way for others to experience the art, too.

A few of us spoke about Immortal Work's future. No one knows what is to come. Everyone in that room hopes the company has a long and healthy life, but if it doesn't, Immortal Works has given me and several other authors a feeling of pure joy knowing that our words, our stories, our worlds and characters will live on, from our minds and become part of our readers. Last night I got to hang out with those people. It was an honor.

Xchyler Anthologies...Evolved

Last week I got an e-mail from Xchyler Publishing about their anthologies. Since 2013 I've been involved in several of these collections. My first published story appeared in one of these books. I'm still proud of the stories and the books. They all had excellent covers to go along with the excellent tales. You can find more at Xchyler Publishing's website: HERE.

Too bad more people don't read anthologies.

The first story I ever sold appeared in Xchyler Publishing's Mechanized Masterpieces: A Steampunk Anthology. The book is a collection of steampunk retellings of Victorian classics. Our instruction was to take a Victorian story and steampunk it. The authors could tell the same story, or just use the classic characters. Most picked stories from England. My story came from Denmark. It's a story I loved writing. We called it Little Boiler Girl, a steampunked version of H.C Anderson's Little Match Girl. 

A few years later Xchyler published a follow-up collection, this time using classic American stories. Xchyler chose another of my shorts, this time I steampunked Jack London's Call of the Wild. I called my story, Mr. Thornton. Again, a blast to write.

The third time I appeared in a Xchyler anthology, I wrote Split Ends in their Shades and Shadows paranormal anthology. My story's about two ghosts in a beauty salon in Manitou Springs, Colorado. 

I owe a lot to Xchyler. They gave me my start. Because of them, I got gigs at Salt Lake Comic Con, LTUE, Salt City Steamfest and other conventions. I met amazing writers and have had wonderful experiences. Xchyler is working to keep all these books available for years to come. I hope they do. The world needs more art, more stories, more dreams translated to words and collected in books. Thank you Xchyler for all you've done for me. May the good work you've done continue on.

John Olsen's New Book..."Crystal King" Is Coming Soon!

I met John because I met Jay and Jay works with John and so I met John. 

And I'm glad I did.

There's a few of us who, because of Xchyler Publishing, have gone from published short-story authors to published novel authors. John's the first. My novel comes out early next year, and Jay Barnson's novel should come out shortly after that.

But today it's John's turn and his book looks amazing! It's called Crystal King, Riland Throne, Book 1. I have not had the opportunity to read it--it's something I plan on doing and something I'm excited to do. You can access the book's Amazon website and pre-order: HERE. Of course, if you go to Salt Lake Comic Con tomorrow or Saturday, you can get a copy now!

From that website, here's a brief description of Crystal King:

An army has overrun and destroyed the royal council and much of the kingdom of Riland's leadership. Now, Gavin Stoutheart’s father the baron is missing, along with Gavin’s brother the heir- both presumed dead. After tormenting his instructors and father for years with his rebellious antics, Gavin must step up to lead his people as they flee before an invading army, one that can outpace his motley collection of castle staff, peasants, and children. Gavin’s only hope for survival is the forbidden animal magic wielded by his closest friends combined with his gift for strategy as he searches for allies along their trail. Will it be enough to keep them alive as they desperately trek through a fractured, leaderless kingdom? For the army of human and animal predators will show no mercy.

Will it be enough? Will they survive? How does this thing turn out?

On October 17th, you'll have to check out Crystal King to find out!

Edits...Whatever Doesn't Kill You Can Make You Stronger

I post a Pic Of The Day everyday. You can see the one I've chosen for today at the right of this post. Yesterday I saw a quote a writer friend puts up in his cubicle. I've used several of his quotes in the past for my Pic of The Day picture. But something about yesterday's quote didn't sit right with me.

And I figured out why.

It's because I disagree with what was written.

 But I can also understand why John Osborne, the man who expressed his feeling toward edits. They're tough, perhaps the toughest part of the process. That's why I feel good edits can make a story SO much better. A good writer should have many tools to help him/her with the craft. Things such as writer groups, alpha and beta readers, editors, agents, all can help an idea become a finished product. The attitude expressed in the quote comes when they want that perfect product, but whatever they've created must go through a refiner's fire. Fire burns and burns hurt. The quote also validates the importance of editors.

I'm a writer with a few writing credits to my name. I have had published stories where an editor was part of the creative process and I've self-published where I wore both hats. And I know if I had been fortunate enough to  have the editors I worked with on my stories for my self-published work, it would have been much better. For me, they've been an invaluable asset that's helped me get those stories to the public, stories that are good, stories to which I'm proud my name is attached. Stories that I can stand in front of people and say, "You should buy this book." Thanks to all the editors I've worked with, especially those at Xchyler Publishing.

Writing is an incredibly personal endeavor. It's your soul that you put into those words and when you do that, you're completely exposed. So, when anything comes along to rip those words apart, be they self-imposed edits or from an editor, it's tough. 

I think I've figured out what Mr. Osborne got wrong in his quote. He shouldn't have used a lamp post in his comparison. He should have used a tree, because a tree can benefit from a dog's contribution. It comes with a price, but it can make the tree stronger.

Fact Or Faked...Broadcast Again

A few years ago The Syfy Channel put on a little show called Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files. We watched it; we liked it. Maybe you remember seeing an episode or two (or more...).

It was a great little reality show. Six experts used science to debunk myths and the unexplained. Each episode had the group split into two teams and investigate the occurrence. Then they would meet up and discuss their findings. As with anything, some of their investigations were better than others. A few of the original team members left and were replaced by others.

But perhaps the biggest reason we watched was because of the team's leader, Ben Hansen (he's the tall one in the middle...). I had the opportunity of meeting him at several of the Salt Lake Comic Cons and I found him to be a very nice individual.

"Of course, he was," I can almost hear you saying. "Anyone can be nice, at least for a little while." Well, that's true. But not everyone would go out of their way and honor a request made by someone they barely know.

Let me explain. I had a paranormal short story chosen to be published in an anthology from Xchyler Publishing. It was called, Shades and Shadows: A Paranormal Anthology. Since the anthology came out during the run of Ben's show, I asked if he wouldn't mind writing up a prologue for our book. He agreed and he came through. It shows integrity. It shows class.

The show's been off the air for a few years, but the network, Destination America is showing once again those original Fact or Faked episodes, so if you want to see something a little different, give it a shot. Television needs more shows with classy people.

Photos used without permission from the Fact or Faked Facebook page

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...Danielle Shipley's "Due Date"

And so, after eleven days, I come to the end of my Beyond the Wail reviews. The book ends on a great note, a thinking, slowly developing story about books, death and dragons (but, not so much of the dragons...).

In Due Date, Danielle Shipley weaves a tell where the narrator finds a secret library inside an old house. This library is like no other for inside are books not yet written. We get to know Shipley's narrator as she deals with the challenges of living in an old house, as she discovers hidden passageways and finally the cache of books.

But there's a deadly secret to the volumes contained in the library. Soon others will come to know of this secret, and the price they pay for this knowledge is absolute.

I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded. It wasn't "scare you to death" storytelling. It wasn't "blood and guts" literature. It was more "sit by the fire on a stormy night with a glass of your favorite beverage by your side, and if you're not allergic, maybe a cat as a companion" sort of story. The Danes have a word for just such ambiance...it's called hyggeligt, and it's a wonderful word.

Like many of the stories contained in Beyond the Wail: 12 Grave Stories of Love and Loss I wasn't sure where this story was headed. There was a nice twist at the end, something I didn't quite expect, but was very satisfying. Shipley crafted the story nicely, pacing it with just enough information and setup to complete the story's arch. 

These stories have had at least one thing in common, I liked all of them--of course, some more than others. Those of you who are fans of short stories know the pleasure you get by finishing a complete story in a short period of time. I was able to read each one during the time it took me to commute to and from work on the bus. It's such a great length. I do love novels where you can really get into the world and the characters as well, but there's something special about a great short story. It satisfies like nothing else.

I recommend Shipley's Due Date and the other stories found in this anthology. Thank you to the authors, the editors and Xchyler Publishing for making it available. Now, I need to find another book to pick up, sit by a fire with a glass of my favorite beverage and invite the cat over. It will be hyggeligt.

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...Sebastian Bendix's "The Diorama"

From the beginning, I knew this story would be different, which is a bit like saying, "I knew all the horses that ran this year's Kentucky Derby would be different." It's obvious each horse is unique, but some we like better than others (especially if we have money on the race...). I liked, not only this story, but Bendix's writing style a lot.

An appropriate subtile to Sebastian Bendix's The Diorama could be "The Sad Tale of Martin Taper," for that is what it was. Like many protagonists, Martin is unfulfilled. His melancholy life is surrounded by poor decisions and unfortunate circumstances. Because he didn't do well in school, he now works in a pet shop where he faces all the negatives of working a retail job complete with a jerk for a boss.

But Martin has hidden talents (as do almost all protagonists...). He's built himself a diorama in his apartment. Just how big is this diorama? Think Beetlejuice. In fact, because of the similarities, I found scenes from that movie flash in my mind from time to time, though the similarities pretty much stop with the actual size of the art piece.

In fact, there's another movie this story reminded me of me, Bedtime Stories. This is not a put-down. The Diorama stands on its own. And if you're thinking this might be a light-hearted story, think again. It's darker than both of those movies, darker by far.

Martin shows his diorama to a neighbor boy and that's where the strange events begin. Martin comes out of his own shadow. He asserts himself and is pleased with the results. There's a girl involved, a co-worker whom Martin begins to date. Things are looking up for our forlorn hero.

That is, until the diorama gets involved.

I have to say that I thought this would have more of a traditional ending, where things work out and everyone's happy, even though the characters experience some hellish things. Nope--Bendix didn't do that. I'm not going to give any more of the story away. Perhaps I have already done that, and if so, I'm sorry. One thing I want to say about The Diorama is its expertly written--first class! And even though I didn't get the ending I was expecting, my experience while reading it more than made up for any deficiencies (or what I might consider deficiencies...). It was a joy to read.

This story is the second-to-last tale in the anthology. I hope when you get to The Diorama you'll feel some of the things I did and appreciate it as well.

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...Alex McGilvery's "Saint Peter's Fish"

You know a story's going to be great when in the first paragraph the main character gets slapped in the face by a trout as tuna and mackerelly literal rain down around him.

Yes, that's right.

As I come to the final few stories in Xchyler Publisher's Beyond the Wail: 12 Grave Stories of Love and Loss, I find myself surprised at the diversity in the stories, especially after reading Alex McGilvery's Saint Peter's Fish. 

Even without a falling whale, the comparison's to Douglas Adams are obvious. I'm no scholar when it comes to Adams--far from it, but I have read a few of his books and Adam's books kept going through my mind as I enjoy's McGilvery's delightful story. Yes, there's ghosts, and lost love. There's also a fish that distributes gold coins. The story evolves to a point where a litigation against God is discussed and considered. 

Saint Peter's Fish begins with Sam losing his pub (if you want to know how, think falling whale...). Sam's luck is not only bad, it's horrible! Since he caught and brought home the fish that keeps spitting out gold coins, nothing has gone right for the beleaguered man. With the help of an angel as well as him ignoring the advice of a representative of Satan, Sam's life takes a major turn, a turn where hopefully Sam can reverse life's lot and find success.

I've got two more stories to review in Beyond the Wail. If the next two are like this one, I'll love them. Then again, I don't think there's anything quite like this story. Well done, Alex!

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...T. N. Payne's "Dead Man Hocking"

What do you get when you cross gambling and zombies?

T. N. Payne's Dead Man Hocking, that's what.

Since I've been in a couple of Xchyler Publishing's anthologies, I've gotten to know several of the other Xchyler authors. I've never read anything from this author before. Shame. Her story was a lot of fun.

Don't get me wrong--the story's not based on a lot of "fun" things. It's about a guy named Kyle who is a zombie. We first meet Kyle as he's digging up a corpse in a graveyard, and he's doing this because he made a deal with someone. That deal turned him into a zombie.

When Kyle was alive, he had a gambling problem. The problem was so serious, it ended up destroying his family. When Kyle lost a couple of grand during a losing streak, his wife took their small child and left. Before he could make it up to them with a big win, he was murdered.

Payne's story was "fun" to me because of how we get to learn about Kyle. The first-person narration is crisp and conversational. We learn about the flawed man and his struggles. The story's beginning sentence expertly sets the tone for the entire tale: "Every sinner must pay a price for the foolishness of their choices. I was paying mine now." Kyle says this as he's digging up a grave. As the story continues, we're introduced to several colorful characters, a black market cad, a witch willing to strike a bargain. I never knew what was coming next. 

This story differed greatly from the others in Beyond the Wail. But I liked this change. It was the first zombie story, a less-than-perfect undead creature trying to do the right thing, trying for redemption. Chances are you've not read anything like this either. And, chances are, if you like stories about gambling and zombies, you'll definitely like this one!

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...F. M Longo's "Shrine Of Mirrors"

I just finished F. M. Longo's Shrine of Mirrors. Of all the stories I've read so far in Xchyler Publishing's latest anthology, Beyond the Wail: 12 Graves Stories of Love and Loss, this one is pretty different.

It's a story that reminded me a lot of an Indiana Jones adventure, only this time the tale is set in the Far East. It's a first person perspective where the narrator takes us along on a journey to find three relics, relics with magical powers.

Longo effectively uses a documentary style to set up the story. He's created an exotic world and filled it with magical items, ferocious dangers and personal sacrifices all in an attempt to join the relics. The advice that begins the story, "Trust one!" serves well our narrator.

Like I said before, Longo's story is unique when placed among the other first six or seven stories in this collection. I enjoyed the change of pace. It not only adds a new flavor to the book, it expands the richness of the anthology in general. Beyond the Wail isn't just about ghosts and scary cabins in the woods, it's more than that. I'm hope if you give the book a chance, you'll agree.

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...Ginger C. Mann's "The Poltergeist And Aunt Betty"

Do you have one of those crazy relatives--the ones who you're convinced they're not quite all there? Now, imagine if that crazy relative sees ghosts?

And with that premise you have Ginger C. Mann's The Poltergeist and Aunt Betty. 

I'm just over halfway through reviewing the entire Beyond the Wail anthology and each story has been consistent, not only in being true to the theme, but also in length. As I read Ginger's story and I was reaching what felt like the middle, I wondered, "where's the ghost?"

To be fair, the author is not completely void of ghostly elements, it's just she's created a character so charming and zany, that the woman might not be able to see ghosts at all--it could be her wild demeanor or the multiple prescription medications she's on.

This is one aspect I loved about the story. When we're faced with a situation where there could very well be a legitimate haunting, there are ways to explain away any oddities. "Sure, your home could be haunted, but it could be wind moving a loose shingle that makes it sound like someone is in the attic walking around." These kinds of thoughts went through my mind as I read this story, but I knew this was a ghost story so I expected a poltergeist to show up at some point.

And Ginger didn't disappoint.

I had to smile several times while I read this tale. The author definitely knows what it's like to have a house full of kids and the challenges found therein. Having raised four kids ourselves, it brought back  many memories. Aunt Betty is a great character, as well. The story unfolds with Aunt Betty becoming more and more unpredictable. But are her actions solely the fault of her own, or are there other factors contributing to the madness?

You'll have to read it to find out! I'm glad I did.

"Beyond The Wail" Reviews...A. F. Stewart's "The Weeping Lady"

And the distance between them swelled with the soft tremor of tearful regret and mourning."

A. F. Stewart's story begins with Eva Douglas returning home and she is none too happy about doing so. Knowing what I now know about Eva Stewart's story, I understand why.

The Weeping Lady tells Eva's story and her tragic past, a past she's forced to confront yet again. Eva returns home because her younger sister is missing. As bad as this situation is, Eva must also deal with her mother. It's very evident their mother/daughter relationship is, in a word, strained. The search for the missing sibling is concentrated on a nearby stream.

The stream and Eva share a terrifying past, and it has to do with a weeping lady. The above quote comes from the story. It's a sentence located near the end and I included because I loved the language. Stewart beautifully paints a world of wonder and horror. As she describes the story's pivotal scene, I became uncomfortable because I knew what was happening and could see it in my mind. It was something I didn't want to see, something humans are capable of doing--the darkest side of ourselves.

The story culminates with a battle of wills, a battle I actually didn't know how it would turn out. Eva is strong and when she must face her past and battle for her future and that of her sister, she shows this strength. I know I'm being vague, but I don't want to give too much of the story away.

Like the other short stories in Beyond the Wail: 12 Grave Stories of Love and Lost, The Weeping Lady has lost love, and a hope for the future. Well done, Ms. Stewart!