Features

Cozy Fantasy, Self vs Traditional (Trad) Publishing, and Getting the Most Out of Your MFA with Author Rebecca Thorne 

By Zenia deHaven  Zenia: What sparked your interest in cozy fantasy? Are there other genres you want to explore in the future?  Rebecca: Cozy fantasy, at the time that I got into the market, was untapped potential. I found Legends and Lattes in a bookstore in March of 2022 and I knew based on my time at TikTok that it had just sold to Tor. I bought it because of TikTok and I knew that Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Contest Winner: The Serenity Park Bandit

By Shay Manning It all started when Missus Penny’s new lingerie—some scandalous little red things she’d purchased for a romantic interlude with Mister Penny—went missing off the clothesline in her backyard. Unfortunately for the neighbors of Serenity Park, a very respectable retirement community, the existence of a panties-thief would go unnoticed for some time.  For upon discovery, Missus Penny, who was never one for a fuss, simply went out, purchased another set, and after washing, Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Contest Runner-Up: Sleuth or Dare

By Bretton Cadigan Derek knocked on the detective’s door three times in succession. The first knock was determined, confident, and urgent. The second knock simply mirrored the first, producing a nice rhythm. The third knock was completely perfunctory and Derek would come to regret it. “Three knocks?! Two was more than enough!” hollered the ensconced gumshoe. “Don’t just stand there knockin’ all day like a boob. Come in!” Derek pushed through the door and stumbled Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Contest Winner: Something New

By Tenley Lillegard 5:12 p.m. The Barn at Sterling Hills. “Mom, your daughter’s a nutcase.” Lori was only halfway finished with setting the tables when her youngest approached. She spared her a quick glance, noted that she’d chosen to pair a bright fuchsia lipstick with her buttermilk-colored bridesmaid dress, and returned to preening the faux rose centerpiece at table three. “Oh, honey you shouldn’t talk about yourself like that.” “Not me. Casey!” She answered indignantly Read more

By logan.farley, ago

Ash & Wood

By Brianne Simone (TW: ableism and sexual harassment) “There is news I must share with you, Doireann.” Patrons bustled around us as Jamie stared intently at me. I could feel their curious eyes lingering as they passed, but Jamie was as immutable as a rock in a river. “It is my wish to marry your sister.” The din of the village died down to little more than a murmur. I was sure I’d understood him perfectly, yet part Read more

By logan.farley, ago