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Its finally here.
My writers group have published our first Anthology - The Typhon Expanse. My novella The Echo Of Nothing is included in the story as well as some great short stories from my fellow group members. Welcome to the future For nearly a hundred and fifty years the Terran Union, born of the fires of nuclear terrorism and fear of the other, has expanded across space despite all opposition, all threats real or imagined. In the build up to cataclysmic war, the Typhon expanse, rich in resources and filled with enemies. becomes the staging ground for a conflict between civilizations. This anthology’s stories tell some of the tales of the Union in its relentless advance. Stories include: - A survey captain’s descent into madness, losing his soul to an alien horror (The Echo of Nothing by Michael Huddlestone) - A young alien girl discovering that good intentions pave the way to hell (The Alien Integration Act by Ash Rutherford)) - An orphan turned assassin on a colony world finding her place (To Be the Surgeon by Michelle Mullins) - An unexpected leader joins the fight for freedom on the red planet, and beyond. (The Queen of Mars by Marc Murkin) - An oppressive corporation on an irradiated, barren world grinding its workers down, and the beginning of their heroic response. (The Dawn of Change by Joelle Cronin) - The violent backlash on an orbital farming colony, in response to worldwide attacks on Earth (Sunraysia by Chris Picone) - Intrigue and suspense on the day the apocalypse came calling. (Ghosts of the Past by William Elliot) - A young hacker, pursued by a relentless gestapo-like police, seeking escape for her and her AI companion (The Chase by Terry Mullins) - An AI, finding itself in the one human polity to defy the Union. (Jelana by Stephen Ryan) - An astronaut awakens to a strange landscape with technology beyond imagining and creatures that mean her harm (Grey Matter by Marley Hannan) And more in The Typhon Expanse. |
A winter chill whistled along the landing past the young woman who stood there. Strands of exposed crimson hair swayed as the breeze passed her. They overflowed from the young woman’s hooded jacket. She did not falter. Warmth had left her cheeks now pale in colour already numb from the season’s attack. Still she did not waver from where she stood, unable to be tempted to return to the warm of the log cabin behind her. Her eyes, green like the pine trees that now were covered by a blanket of white, fixated out into the landscape. A landscape now void of colour. The nights snowfall had been particularly heavy sweeping with it a howling wind that echoed like a chorus of snow wolves calling to the moon. The woman closing her eyes tilted her head back slightly taking a long lasting breath. Slowly exhaling her head lowered. Eyes flashed open. The dark waters of her pupil immediately evaporating to the size of a star in the night sky at the invasion of daylight. With a knowing smile, she stepped forward from the landing. A second and third step soon followed. Her brown jacket flowing with each step as the breeze welcomed her into the open. The sound crunching sound of snow breaking underfoot was all that was could be heard as the sea of white swallowed each step. The brown leather of her boots the only visible colour on the ground as she continued forward. The breeze now wisped through the landing and out into the wild white scenery. The young woman was gone. Flakes of snow swirled across the landscape covering the large paw prints that now remained.
Nervously I tapped the mouse button and it was done. There was no going back now; and even if I could, would I really want to? My heart raced, pounding in my chest that drowned out the music that played in the background. I had done it. I just published my first short on Smashwords.
It was certainly different to entering a writing competition. There I was entering a piece that I expected review and criticism. This was different, I was putting something out for the world to see. Something pulled from the far depths of my soul. Putting it up as a "This is me. This is what I am capable of" piece. I've dreamed of becoming a writer since I was a young boy, and now I had taken a large step closer to that dream. I know it was just a short story, and that I self-published, but there is no greater feeling than making a dream reality no matter how small the step. Now I look eagerly towards my next story I wish to publish. Thanks for everyone who has given support and taken the time to offer feedback and encouragement. It may have been just a few minutes of your time and just a few words, but to someone who is aspiring to write, it means so much more. I am writing this blog to urge anyone with a dream to never give up. Each journey is made up of thousands of steps, every step should be celebrated and something to be proud of. Keep your eye on the prize and just keep stepping walking. And also to all those who support these people with feedback... keep it up. Without you, we never know just how we are going. A Flash Fiction Tale It was a lie that brought her here, the lure of a sneak peak of a brand new piece of art. Being an art major herself, Claire could never say no to art. Now in the dark warehouse, she sat captivated by the single candle flame flickering between her and Timothy. “What is it Tim?” Claire asked breaking the quiet. “My humanity.” Tim responded, his head bowed solemnly. Claire’s eyes remained fixed on the flame before looking at him for more answers. He looked up, eyes watching her intently, looking beyond her eyes but deep inside her soul. “Can’t you see them Claire, in the dark, hiding in the shadows, Demons. My demons. They rage inside, fighting. See how the flame flickers, they want control, they want to be free in this world.” “I don’t understand, Tim.” Her head tilted slightly to side. She watched him, his eyes held knew the answer, but his mouth was not giving it away. His smile broadened. “You will Claire…” His voice trailed off. Claire felt the beat of her heart increasing as it began to race. She didn't know where the door was to run, darkness was consuming the room. Shaking in her own skin she watched as change washed over her friend, his eyes showed no soul only the casting reflection of the flame. Shadows danced across his face, multiplying as the flame drew dim “You will” he whispered as the last of the candle light faded into the darkness. The smell of extinguished flame was all that now remained. |
M.HuddlestoneArchives
January 2016
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