P.A. O'Neil's Blog, page 4

News about the book, West of Dodge.

Congratulations to Saddlebag Dispatches Magazine for the nomination for their anthology, West of Dodge, for a national award. Yours truly has the privilege of being included as one of the contributing authors. It's a good day for Western writing all around.

Story named as a national finalist, again!

In 2023, Saddlebag Dispatches Magazine published my story, "The Great Burro Revolt." It was based on a story my Tata, Bill Brady, told me when I was a child. It won the magazine's Mustang Award for Short Fiction.

Yesterday I learned it has been selected as a finalist for short fiction for the Western Fictioneers Award. It's up against some heavy hitters (even my good friend Sharon Frame Gay - Writer). We'll know the results in June, keep your fingers crossed!

http://www.westernfictioneers.com/?

Always willing to share what I do know.

I'm pretty much self taught when it comes to things like submissions. I can assure you what have learned has been from the advice of other writers who were kind enough to share what they know.

Because of their grace, I believe that I too much share with other writers, or people who want to be writers. I believe there has never been a better time for those who seek to share there thoughts and stories with others.

If you have a question, and if I know the answer, I will gladly help you or help to refer to one who does know.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/P.A.-ON...?

Release of a new anthology featuring my story.

Being a cancer survivor myself, when I learned that MacKenzie Publishing had planned a charity anthology for the Canadian Cancer Society, I knew I had to make a submission. The theme as you can see is loss, I offered "The Girl Who Could See Death", and fortunately they accepted it.

Such a Loss is available in paperback and Kindle format. If you have experienced a loss, from cancer or any other reason, it is hoped this book will give you some comfort and/or perspective.

https://www.amazon.com/Such-Loss-Cath...?

Sunday is a day of rest.

It is Sunday, the day of rest. Today, I wish to bypass the promotions and marketing in favor of sitting back and enjoying my coffee and thinking about who I would like to share a cuppa with.

For me, it would have to be Mark Twain--oh, the stories I bet that man could tell. On the other hand, spending time with Beatrix Potter would be nice, but I am sure she would insist on having tea.

Never give up on your dream!

A long time ago, I quit writing over a dispute over the ownership of a play I had written. I let that experience color my creativity for almost forty years. Do not let this happen to you. If you want to write, then write. If you want to paint, then paint. Whatever you feel you are called to do, do it.

I for one will be behind you all the way with encouraging cheers!

"The Girl Who Can See Death" does it again!

I am pleased to announce that my story, "The Girl Who Could See Death," has been accepted for Mackensie Publishing's new anthology, Such a Loss. This is a charity book with all proceeds going to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The late Steve Carr predicted this story would have legs, and he sure was right.

#IstandwithEvan

Today marks one year since the WSJ reporter, Evan Gersovich, was detained by the Russian police.

Please, let the world know, he is not forgotten.

Score another submission win in 2024

Great news came my way as my story, "Leadville: A Pick, A Pan, and Chopsticks", has been accepted for the as yet unnamed Saddlebag Dispatches Magazine anthology, due to be released later this year.

Ask and ye shall receive

Thank you, T.K., for the 5 Star review of Two Sides of the Same Coin

"5.0 out of 5 stars
Holmes and Watson don't sleep

A different look at Sherlock and Dr. Watson through the doctor's eyes. A great read with multiple shourt stories, I truly enjoyed this book and am looking for more from P.A. O'Neill"