I’m a little obsessed with anthologies of late. What’s not to love about a short story – the perfect nightcap before bed without the threat of getting sucked into chapter after chapter and before you know it you have to get up in an hour for work. I’ve discovered writers I never might have read and went on to pick up longer works thanks to the wonder of anthologies. Which is why I jumped at the chance to host a stop on this blog tour.
What is it about fear and the unknown that pulls so passionately at the human heart? Perhaps we are drawn not to the darkness itself, but to the resolution, the overcoming of what we most deeply dread. After all, the more terrible the struggle, the greater the victory when it comes at last. Presented in this anthology are twelve remarkable stories of the darkness that overshadows us, and the resolution that may be found beyond them. They are stories of fear and oppression, but ultimately stories of hope, stories that will take you BEYOND THE WAIL.
Today I have the pleasure of spotlighting one of my friends-in-arms, L.K. McIntosh, a fellow author who I’ve become personally acquainted with through mutual associations and writing conventions the past year. Her story is one of twelve in this new anthology from Xchyler Publishing.
L.K. McIntosh has been making up stories about the people around her since she learned how to talk. She eventually discovered cultural anthropology, a fantastic and often macabre world of research rabbit holes and bare bones tales just begging to be fleshed out. She is irrationally terrified of sharks, which makes perfect sense, considering she has always lived in a landlocked state, and she is a proud supporter of the Oxford comma. She is currently working on two speculative fiction novels and several short stories. She physically lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, but tends to live life vicariously thanks to the Internet, books, television, and a vast array of interesting people.
L.K.’s story is titled THE ‘GRIM’ REAPER. When a soul reaper loses the source of their power, they must either find the witch who stole it or a new purpose for living.
I had a chance to chat with L.K. a bit and found some interesting (tasty even!) tidbits…
Me: How did you come up with the title of your story?
LK: I have to give credit to my mother. After talking through my story with her, she said, “Well, then I guess ‘grim’ really applies, doesn’t it? Hey, you should title it, “The ‘Grim’ Reaper”!” It is clever, so I went with it. (thanks mom!)
Me: What was the hardest part of writing this story, and how did you overcome it?
LK: The hardest part was just sitting down and writing it. I have this ridiculous idea that I want my first draft to be perfect, so I get in my own way a lot. I love to brainstorm and outline, but putting the story onto an actual page was very difficult for me. A lot of tears, frustration, and laborious placement of words, but I finally got there, and I love the characters and the things that happen within the story.
Me: So you’re a typical writer, then. I see! What is your favorite snack while writing?
LK: I usually have a cup of tea or coffee sitting nearby when I write.
Me: Girl after my own heart! I know you’re a speculative fiction writer which everyone knows makes you a nerd or a geek on some level. So just for fun, Star Wars or Star Trek?
LK: Star Wars, though I do like the new Star Trek films.
Me: Personally, either answer is correct on that question!
You can check out L.K.’s story and eleven others in Beyond the Wail available HERE on Amazon.
If you love a good book trailer – and who doesn’t? – check it out HERE.
You can also enter to win some great prizes as part of the blog tour – and who doesn’t love the chance to win free stuff?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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For other author spotlights, check out the upcoming schedule:
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