As a writer, I find short stories very challenging, especially if they are not related to an existing novel. Starting a new story, defining the world it takes place in, and introducing new characters in a short story format can be challenging! I have to stick to the KISS mantra (Keep It Simple Stupid) – which makes it a great writing exercise.

As a reader, a short story is a great way to escape into prose without committing hours and hours. I’m the type who can’t put a book down once I start it, so short stories are like snack bags of chips vs. the big bag. A short story satisfies my craving without stealing me away from real life for too long.

What do you think? Do you read short stories? Like them? Dislike them?

For more short story fun, be sure and check out our short story blog hop! Find stories and authors to check out by clicking on the photo:

I really enjoyed the “new” superheroes I got to meet. Hawkeye and Black Widow were two who were new to me. I loved how Black Widow held her own in a room full of testosterone-driven egomaniacs. And her superpower was subtle, but cool! Which got me thinking…

Which superhero would you want to be? (You can pick anyone, not just those featured in the movie) Would you want the ability to fly, super strength, genius brainpower, indestructibility, or something else?

Me? Well, what I need is the ability to be in two places at the same time. But Black Widow’s power could be cool…(I don’t want to spoil it, though).

PS. if you do go to see The Avengers, be sure and stay until the very end of the credits. There’s two bonus scenes, one toward the beginning of the credits, and one at the end.

Obviously, I lost track of time!

First, Quicksand: I underestimated how complicated my little romantic suspense would get! Quicksand is currently looking like it’s going to be around 25% longer than Whirlwind – at least in the first draft. Whirlwind was 19 chapters, Quicksand is rolling up to 23. More Jason, more Melissa, a little more Mitch, and some new characters who can be mysterious, snarky, and in some cases, devious. I hope to make some bigger announcements soon!

Speaking of Jason, he’s part of an upcoming contest at Bookish Temptations! He’s part of the “Men of Omnific” who’s-who contest. Each day you’ll have the chance to match up the heroes from Omnific’s titles to images representing each leading man. I’ll give you a hint – if you followed the Whirlwind blog tour hosted by Missie at The Unread Reader or her “My Book Boyfriend” feature, you’ll have a BIG clue as to who Jason is.

To find out more, click on the banner! Contest runs from May 14-18

Finally, how would you like a fun read for FREE? My short story, Concessions is now available for download at Omnific Publishing for ZERO dollars (the epack includes formats for kindle, nook, and PDF). If you’d like a quick romp with a sexy vampire in the heat of Las Vegas, be sure to check it out!
(It’s also available on Amazon for 99 cents if you’d like to download it directly to your kindle. Hopefully that price will drop soon.)

Before 2011 disappears completely, though, Omnific Publishing has one last gift to give. Through December 31, 2011, if you purchase one ebook from their online store, you can get a second 50% off. Just use check out code ebooks2011.

Happy Holidays and New Year!

We were lucky enough to see this talented group in concert last night, and it was a really nice break. What do you do to take a little break during the hectic holiday season? Do you have a favorite song or carol that keeps you going?

Still time to enter

Image by Brian Sawyer via Flickr

Don’t forget to enter to win a Kindle Fire! the Kindle will come loaded with a whole slew of great books, including Whirlwind. It’d make a great gift, assuming you don’t keep it for yourself!

Happy Holidays!