Undertow: A Short Story

Undertow was inspired by an anthology call about great ocean monsters. Even though the anthology was filled before I was even able to write the story (it was a popular call!), I still found that the story itself wouldn’t leave me alone. So I thought I would squeeze in one last release for the year!

I love that self publishing has given me the ability to come up with a story idea, write it, edit it, edit it some more, and then get a cover done and have it turned around ready to release in a matter of weeks. This has completely changed how I look at my writing, and I’m grateful for it!

If you’ve ever been on the ocean and looked out at the dark seas with a cold wind in your hair and wondered what could be hiding beneath the surface, then this story is for you. I have always been fascinated by the ocean, and this story let me explore that love.

Features sea creatures, cold ocean waves, cheap bathrobes, and some very weird monsters, Undertow: A Short Story is now available to pre-order. Release day is December 15th.

UNDERTOW: A SHORT STORY

June has always been in motion. She’s never satisfied with a place for long, so she’s always moving and never content. Even her love life is a maelstrom, leaving behind a long list of lovers. After years of searching for a sense of belonging, she is drawn to the ocean waters near Leekston. She convinces Jeremy, a wealthy young playboy with a yacht, to take her out to the cold open waters.

She hopes to find answers, but Jeremy expects compensation for his trip and something watches in the deep waters. They are not alone.

Splashes onto bookshelves December 15th.

Book Tour for The Seeking

We are a little over a month away from the release of The Seeking, my creepy little YA horror novel with weird monsters and major Halloween vibes. If you would like to help spread the word, you can take part in a book tour that will be taking place in October 8th – November 8th!

If you’re interested, click here!

Drabble: Captain, My Captain

Prompt: Discontent

Foam sprays up the belly of the ship as angry clouds move inward. This voyage was full of bad omens; Joe nearly fell from the crow’s nest, a barrel of grain was full of maggots, and then there’s the Captain to consider. With her fiery hair and great red coat, she could outmatch anyone on the ship with her blade.

She thinks we’ll find the Darkness Dweller within those clouds, that shadow creature that lurks into our homes and saps our kinsmen dry. She says it’s responsible for the storm that’s sent our way, for the tumultuous waves, and starless skies each night. I say she’s bit with madness; though we all know the best Captains are.

The rains come in heavy and within minutes I’m soaked through to my bones. My hands are raw as I double and triple check the knots on deck; the water in my eyes makes it hard to see.

“It’s here!” She calls out like a shrieking banshee. Her red hair is bright against the dark clouds above and she’s smiling. Madness indeed.

She’s barely said the words when I see the shadows slink their way across the deck, like the feelers of an octopus, but harder to see. I call out to Old Finny, but he can’t hear me over the heavy rain. Then the shadow touches his boot and shoots up his good leg. He grabs at his thigh with a shriek, but the shadow has him. Before it can reach his head, the Captain is upon him. She thrusts her blade through Finny’s boot, and somehow the shadow too. Blood pours out and Finny screams, but the shadow retreats.

“Get him below,” she says and I obey. She may be a mad banshee, but she’s also one hell of a Captain.


Want to read more Drabbles? Click here.

I post a new Drabble (almost) every Wednesday at Noon ET. Click Follow on the right to get weekly updates.

 

Originally posted on Typetrigger. Fiction in 300 words or less. Please pardon typos or grammatical errors. See sidebar for copyright information.