While I continue fishing for an agent and submitting works to magazines or book publishers, I keep writing works of fantasy that sear my imagination. Some of these may appear in the web of sites I call the Gulch, but much of it will only be alluded to since posting them removes them from my quiver of submissibles. If I never grab the interest of an agent or editor matters little so long as I’m having fun.
Published Stories
For a taste of my work, several stories have appeared in small press anthologies. Two stories, Pyrat Rum and The Tenth Gold Piece, appeared in the Giant Tales anthologies published by Professor Limn Books. Others have appeared in the Visions series by Lillicat Publishers.
Stories from Y’Kar
Among my growing list of short stories are those stemming from a series of novels beginning with New Mandate. The books are character driven and world building.
The planet Y’kar is a world of three continents. Its history has numerous parallels to Earth’s including major religions and a long period of feudalistic governance. After years of wars and treaties the world is unified under an oligarchy of aristocratic families. Technical accomplishments include bio-implants, mandated for every individual. Connected to the nets, the devices function as computer, library, news feeds, communications links and bio-trackers. And while they have succeeded at venturing into space, exploitation by mining is the extent of their experience. As a people, Y’Karians remain convinced they are the only intelligent beings in the universe.
The Ethery Inn
Somewhere in the woods near Port Townsend, Washington in the Pacific Northwest is a hotel that goes by the name The Ethery Inn. Search for it online and you will not find it. Call the Chamber of Commerce and they will tell you it does not exist. It is a place reserved for individuals approaching a crossroad. These are stories designed to capture the essence of poetic irony.
Leprechauns of County Kerry
Under the mountain peaks running through County Kerry, Ireland, sits the town of DarBrandubh, home to a reclusive band of leprechauns. ‘Tis a bit of country where the wee folk who once tormented the humans of the region have turned inward.