Dave Higgins's Blog, page 64

The Chronicles of Underrealm Collection One: A Book of Underrealm, (ed.) Garrett Robinson

Robinson gathers eleven short stories by several authors set across the history and geography of his fantasy realm, providing both an expanded perspective on it and a series of tales engaging in themselves. “Tavern Crossings”, Garrett Robinson: Lauren, called The Nightblade, tracks a rogue wizard to a tavern. Ebon, black sheep of his merchant family … Continue reading The Chronicles of Underrealm Collection One: A Book of Underrealm, (ed.) Garrett Robinson

What Time Is Now?

Is midday in the morning or the afternoon? Is it more believable that midday is in the morning or the afternoon? And why might that make the moon landings seem implausible? I took a brisk walk to a nearby business park this morning because the closest health food shop to me rents a unit there. … Continue reading What Time Is Now?

The Cursed Codex by Matthew S. Cox

Treating both childhood and roleplaying games with seriousness while remaining aware of their more absurd aspects, Cox creates a fantasy tale that is accessible to younger readers without sacrificing the tension and complexity more mature readers seek. Thirteen-year-old Keith Croft has been invisible for his entire school life: not a brainiac; not a jock; not … Continue reading The Cursed Codex by Matthew S. Cox

What The Crap?

Of all the things a household uses, toilet paper is perhaps one of the things least likely to inspire interest. However, today I wanted to share some pictures of ours. My wife has stopped using plastic for January. The rules of her challenge exempt things that I’ve bought that are for communal use; nevertheless, I … Continue reading What The Crap?

Goodcopbadcop by Jim Alexander

Alexander mixes an engaging crime thriller with questions on the morality of vengeance to create a novel that is both gritty and thought-provoking. Detective Inspector Brian Fisher gets results; good enough results without proof of wrongdoing that review boards tend toward a favourable theories of events. But, rather than the binary of “good” or “bad” … Continue reading Goodcopbadcop by Jim Alexander

Brushing Away Sawdust

I’ve received a few questions about my submission call for Fears of a Clown, both while drafting it and afterwards. I added the ones clarifying the call to the call itself, but wanted to share some of my process in drafting the call for anyone who wanted to try compiling an anthology themselves or was … Continue reading Brushing Away Sawdust

Seven Things Not to do When Everyone’s Trying to Kill You by Megan O’Russell

Displaying a firm grasp of how all lives suffer the same burden of the mundane without losing the excitement of magic and high-stakes adventure, O’Russell continues her fresh take on the trope of a young person who discovers they are a magician. This novel is the second in The Tale of Bryant Adams series. This … Continue reading Seven Things Not to do When Everyone’s Trying to Kill You by Megan O’Russell

Call for Submissions: Fears of a Clown

Toward the end of last year, Misha Burnett challenged the Nasty, Brutish, and Short writing group to each compile and release an anthology this year. As Fauxpocalypse, a project he conceived, marked the start of my career as a professional author, it felt right to not only accept but dive in. So, I’m issuing a … Continue reading Call for Submissions: Fears of a Clown

Emma and the Silverbell Faeries by Matthew S. Cox

Cox crafts a fantasy adventure from viewpoint of a ten-year-old without losing the sense of nuance and complexity that many fans of adult fantasy seek. This is the third volume in the Tales of Widowswood series. Spoilers might lurk ahead. Emma’s parents have forgiven her for worrying them and her punishment is over, yet she … Continue reading Emma and the Silverbell Faeries by Matthew S. Cox

Advent Ghosts: Protected Speech

As in previous years, I’m part of Loren Eaton’s Advent Ghosts, a 100-word scary story project. Read my submission is below. Protected Speech Josh strode up the beach, Bible clutched in one hand. Heathen arrows and spears flew toward him, only to be gusted aside by the wings of the angel behind him, the angel … Continue reading Advent Ghosts: Protected Speech