Edited by Shaelynn Long and Brittany McMunn
Happily ever after… maybe not. “What happens after the magical kiss, the spells dissipate, and the initial excitement of the promised happy ending? Is there truly a forever filled with rainbows and beauty and perfect, starry nights? Or might there be another, darker, more mysterious undercurrent that’s worth continuing? Could there be something still lurking in the shadows? Is magic still weaving its way into the souls of the fairy tale denizens? Wickedness & Wonder is a collection of poetry and short fiction exploring classic fairy tales in new (and perhaps unsettling) ways. We invite you into these unique worlds, rhythms, and stories, hoping you’ll stay with us as long as you like. Perhaps it might be best to leave a trail of breadcrumbs, however…” Be sure to check out my story, “That Cottage in the Woods”. Sometimes, you just can’t just run far enough. Just ask Hansel and Gretel.
Edited by Sandre Griffiths and Darin Griffiths EdD
As the song says, “everybody hurts sometimes.” The loss of a spouse, sibling, other family member, friend, or even a beloved pet leaves a deep scar on us. Memories are a source of comfort or can help us provide insight as we grieve. “Toolbox” is about losing my father. My loss is universal, but my story is deeply personal about a not-so-perfect relationship between parent and child.
“This book is an invaluable resource for individuals who are seeking comfort, connection, and understanding on their own grief journey.”
Camille B Wortman, PhD, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Stony Brook University
Buy it at Amazon
Edited by Shannon Delany and Judith Graves
The story of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is much beloved. In my short story, “Alice Through the Wormhole”, I’ve taken the three elements of this anthology: Alice, a journey, and the White Rabbit, and set them on an adventure in space. Listed for the Bram Stoker Award for dark fantasy and horror, this collection of eclectic stories took readers on a thrilling journey with unexpected twists and settings.
Although the book is no longer available, my story will be featured in a future newsletter, so look for it.
Image by Paulo Olivenca from Pixabay
Published online 101 Words:
Little Girl Lost
I tossed the doll into a box.
“You can’t do this!”
Ah, Emilia, my childhood friend. “I’m not a little girl, they’re going.”
“Leave them here, for me!” She stood there, in her flowered dress, glaring.
“Time for the dolls, and you, to go. I’m leaving for college. Find a new friend.”
She cried, reaching for the doll, but it slipped through her fingers. Large tears rolled down her cherub cheeks. “I don’t want to leave!”
“Whatever. Do what you want.”
Emelia left without a sound. I sighed gratefully.
She would never move beyond the dolls.
Little girl ghosts never aged.
For more delightful shorts, go here and sign up for Wednesday stories of 101 words and flash fiction: 101 Words – 101 Word Short Stories
Charlotte Bennardo 