Jena has found a unique collection of short stories for her golden handbag. A group of indie authors contributed to an anthology entitled ‘Escape’. Susan Hamilton contributed a story to the innovative anthology and approached Jena about a Golden Chapter Review. Here’s what happened when Jena bumped into Susan in the Handbag Gallery. Peek at the creative way in which Jena presents the anthology at the end of this blog post, and find out how you can get involved in an ultimate indie author collaboration.
When Jena Met Susan
I was browsing through the Handbag Gallery, a passion of mine, when I heard footsteps, seeming to come from the back of the Gallery. “Hello, does anyone need help?” I whispered.
“Whoa!” was the reply. I stepped towards the voice and then I saw a large, haphazard stack of things- notebooks and folders walking toward me. I hurried to catch the top ones as they began to wobble and topple.
“Oh, I guess I should tell you. I’m Susan Hamilton. I’m an author and I’m delivering a pile of short stories, a new anthology to the Handbag Gallery. Is Jessie…uh…Cahalin here?”
“She usually is but I believe right now she is taking a walk in the rain. She and her characters will be back soon. But in the meantime, do you mind if I look through these stories? Short stories are such a treat- they are the cupcakes of the book world!”
Jena Presents the Anthology
And now, I am delighted to share with Golden Chapters readers Escape! A Writing Bloc Anthology. Eye-catching cover- let’s see what’s inside!
Led by Michael Haase, the Writing Bloc describes itself as a “Cooperative group of writers just trying to figure it all out together.” They certainly have figured it out, as their first anthology is an intriguing and highly readable collection.
Authors from the UK to NZ, and South Korea to Ohio came together to write, edit, produce and design this book, all united by the word “Escape.”
Of course, an anthology doesn’t really have a first chapter to review, as I usually do for our Golden Chapter Reviews, so I decided to share some of the most intriguing lines from the beginning of some of the stories:
“This all started when I landed in Director Jail.” Mrs. Ravenstein by Jason Pomerance)
“Your Majesty, I would like to extend my humbles apologies for the corpse at your doorstep.” (Cedric by Michael Haase)
“Dana Clemmons hates the rain.” (I Wish it Happened by Durena Burns)
“I think I have a plan…” Wendell looked at the two companions on either side of him, both also named Wendell.” (Wendell, Wendell & Wendell by Patrick Edwards.)
Great lines that hook you and grab you in! Since it was Susan who had delivered all these great stories, I was eager to read her story. Wow! Here are some amazing lines from her near-future dystopian short story, Chrysalis.
“I met Death today. I knew who she was…”
“Not what you were expecting?” (Death asked)
“Considering I’m talking to Death and your tattoos just turned inside out…”
(Death explains) “We’re in the Gray. The place that hangs between life and death…”
I’m sure you will enjoy these fascinating short stories- they are all well-written and edited and of enjoyable readable length, not too short, not too long! Escape into some captivating tales.
And here’s good news for writers and readers- The Writing Bloc is excited to announce they are now ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS for DECEPTION! – their next collaborative short story anthology! More details: https://writingbloc.com/submissions/ Join their newsletter: http://eepurl.com/ghuatP
Readers, I love reading and I love discussing what I read even more. Let’s continue our book conversation in the comments. Here are my questions:
- Do you read an anthology all at once, or do you read a story in the collection every now and then?
- This anthology features from a variety of genres. What are your favorite genres?
- What do you think about the opening lines I shared?
Happy Reading and Stay Golden!
Please see the details here if you would like to submit your book for consideration to be a Golden Chapter review.
Please see all of Jena’s Golden Chapters and my website and blog at JessieCahalin.com.
A copy of my novel is available here.
A great post. Thanks for this, Jessie. I don’t write many short stories now I’m writing novels but the economy of words needed for a short often results in a powerful tale well told. Thank you for the link. I love looking at first lines and imagining how the story will continue.
Thank you Jena and Jessie. I have only read a small number of short story collections but this one does sound intriguing. The cover is excellent.
Excited! Thanks so much for introducing me to Writing Bloc. I love short stories and will have a go. I also glanced through some of the excellent articles on their site and shared the wise words on banishing negativity in our writing life. Great, practical advice.
You asked about which genre of short stories we like. Well, for me, anything that is slightly romantic (not slush) that makes me ponder a little about life. Anything that leaves me thinking after I’ve finished reading. I’m not into sci fi. But the opening lines that intrigued me first in your list, were “I met Death today” (number one). I write for a woman’s magazine and that definitely would NOT be suitable, so that is maybe why I liked it so much. (Think outside the box!) And the other opener that made me smile (and we need more of that in our sometimes turgid world, is: “Your Majesty etc. ” Now, just what has happened, I want to know. Which Majesty and what corpse? How did it get there? Why? So – a story with a good opening line, characters I can relate to or who intrigue me, and a great ending.
Now, to have a go and submit!
Thanks so much.
I love this #writingcommunity and what we all get up to.
Have a good week!
Your enthusiasm for the power of storytelling is infectious. Best of luck with the submissions. x