#ShortStorySummer 7/30
New-to-You Author: “Night and Day in Misery,” by Catriona Ward
I thought she was 100% new to me, but then I remembered “The African Painted Dog.” I’m still counting it because I haven’t read her books on my Kindle. She’s new enough. #books
New-to-You Author: “Night and Day in Misery,” by Catriona Ward
I thought she was 100% new to me, but then I remembered “The African Painted Dog.” I’m still counting it because I haven’t read her books on my Kindle. She’s new enough. #books
August 7, 2026 at 2:19 PM
#ShortStorySummer 7/30
New-to-You Author: “Night and Day in Misery,” by Catriona Ward
I thought she was 100% new to me, but then I remembered “The African Painted Dog.” I’m still counting it because I haven’t read her books on my Kindle. She’s new enough. #books
New-to-You Author: “Night and Day in Misery,” by Catriona Ward
I thought she was 100% new to me, but then I remembered “The African Painted Dog.” I’m still counting it because I haven’t read her books on my Kindle. She’s new enough. #books
#ShortStorySummer 18/30
Africa: “Invasion of the Baby Snatchers,” by Lesley Nineka Arimah
From Jordan Peele’s “Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror,” this was a creepy story of alien invaders using human women as incubators. #books
Africa: “Invasion of the Baby Snatchers,” by Lesley Nineka Arimah
From Jordan Peele’s “Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror,” this was a creepy story of alien invaders using human women as incubators. #books
August 18, 2026 at 2:43 PM
#ShortStorySummer 18/30
Africa: “Invasion of the Baby Snatchers,” by Lesley Nineka Arimah
From Jordan Peele’s “Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror,” this was a creepy story of alien invaders using human women as incubators. #books
Africa: “Invasion of the Baby Snatchers,” by Lesley Nineka Arimah
From Jordan Peele’s “Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror,” this was a creepy story of alien invaders using human women as incubators. #books
#ShortStorySummer 11/30
19th Century: "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
I'm pretty sure I read this in college, but I wasn't at the stage where I could appreciate it. This time, I thought it was incredibly creepy and fit perfectly with the Lovecraft vibe I have going. #books
19th Century: "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
I'm pretty sure I read this in college, but I wasn't at the stage where I could appreciate it. This time, I thought it was incredibly creepy and fit perfectly with the Lovecraft vibe I have going. #books
August 10, 2026 at 6:08 PM
#ShortStorySummer 11/30
19th Century: "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
I'm pretty sure I read this in college, but I wasn't at the stage where I could appreciate it. This time, I thought it was incredibly creepy and fit perfectly with the Lovecraft vibe I have going. #books
19th Century: "The Yellow Wallpaper," by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
I'm pretty sure I read this in college, but I wasn't at the stage where I could appreciate it. This time, I thought it was incredibly creepy and fit perfectly with the Lovecraft vibe I have going. #books
#ShortStorySummer 6/30
First-Person Narrator: “Eight-Legged Vengeance,” by Jeff Strand
I’m a fan of Strand’s “Wolf Hunt” trilogy of werewolf horror-comedies. I thought I knew what I was getting into with this story. I was wrong, but I was laughing and cringing at the same time. #books
First-Person Narrator: “Eight-Legged Vengeance,” by Jeff Strand
I’m a fan of Strand’s “Wolf Hunt” trilogy of werewolf horror-comedies. I thought I knew what I was getting into with this story. I was wrong, but I was laughing and cringing at the same time. #books
August 6, 2026 at 2:30 PM
#ShortStorySummer 6/30
First-Person Narrator: “Eight-Legged Vengeance,” by Jeff Strand
I’m a fan of Strand’s “Wolf Hunt” trilogy of werewolf horror-comedies. I thought I knew what I was getting into with this story. I was wrong, but I was laughing and cringing at the same time. #books
First-Person Narrator: “Eight-Legged Vengeance,” by Jeff Strand
I’m a fan of Strand’s “Wolf Hunt” trilogy of werewolf horror-comedies. I thought I knew what I was getting into with this story. I was wrong, but I was laughing and cringing at the same time. #books
#ShortStorySummer 3/30
Mystery: “A Jury of Her Peers,” by Susan Glaspell
When a farmer’s wife is accused of murdering him, the men and women at the crime scene have very different perceptions of what constitutes an important clue. It’s a classic and this was my first time reading it. #books
Mystery: “A Jury of Her Peers,” by Susan Glaspell
When a farmer’s wife is accused of murdering him, the men and women at the crime scene have very different perceptions of what constitutes an important clue. It’s a classic and this was my first time reading it. #books
August 4, 2026 at 2:25 AM
#ShortStorySummer 3/30
Mystery: “A Jury of Her Peers,” by Susan Glaspell
When a farmer’s wife is accused of murdering him, the men and women at the crime scene have very different perceptions of what constitutes an important clue. It’s a classic and this was my first time reading it. #books
Mystery: “A Jury of Her Peers,” by Susan Glaspell
When a farmer’s wife is accused of murdering him, the men and women at the crime scene have very different perceptions of what constitutes an important clue. It’s a classic and this was my first time reading it. #books
#ShortStorySummer 2/30
Journey or Quest: “The Quest of Iranon,” by H.P. Lovecraft
A fantasy from his Dunsany era, it’s about a traveling bard. It was written before D&D, so this bard does not try to screw everything that moves. Started a bit weird, but was sad and moving by the end. #books
Journey or Quest: “The Quest of Iranon,” by H.P. Lovecraft
A fantasy from his Dunsany era, it’s about a traveling bard. It was written before D&D, so this bard does not try to screw everything that moves. Started a bit weird, but was sad and moving by the end. #books
August 2, 2026 at 6:15 PM
#ShortStorySummer 2/30
Journey or Quest: “The Quest of Iranon,” by H.P. Lovecraft
A fantasy from his Dunsany era, it’s about a traveling bard. It was written before D&D, so this bard does not try to screw everything that moves. Started a bit weird, but was sad and moving by the end. #books
Journey or Quest: “The Quest of Iranon,” by H.P. Lovecraft
A fantasy from his Dunsany era, it’s about a traveling bard. It was written before D&D, so this bard does not try to screw everything that moves. Started a bit weird, but was sad and moving by the end. #books
#ShortStorySummer 28/30
South America: “Death and the Compass,” by Jorge Luis Borges
That did not go in the direction I was expecting. #books
South America: “Death and the Compass,” by Jorge Luis Borges
That did not go in the direction I was expecting. #books
August 28, 2026 at 2:46 PM
#ShortStorySummer 28/30
South America: “Death and the Compass,” by Jorge Luis Borges
That did not go in the direction I was expecting. #books
South America: “Death and the Compass,” by Jorge Luis Borges
That did not go in the direction I was expecting. #books
Time for my #FridayReads update. I’m about 65% through Piers Anthony’s “Out of Phaze” (ebook) and will likely finish it tonight or tomorrow. I’m halfway through Anne Rivers Siddons’ “Islands” (audiobook). Tomorrow, I’ll kick off #ShortStorySummer with Brian Keene’s “Sheltered in Place.” #books
July 31, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Time for my #FridayReads update. I’m about 65% through Piers Anthony’s “Out of Phaze” (ebook) and will likely finish it tonight or tomorrow. I’m halfway through Anne Rivers Siddons’ “Islands” (audiobook). Tomorrow, I’ll kick off #ShortStorySummer with Brian Keene’s “Sheltered in Place.” #books
My #FridayReads update. I'm getting an early start on my September TBR with Kelley Armstrong's "Bitten" (ebook) and Robert McCammon's "The Providence Rider." I've barely started those, since I'm mostly focusing on the last two stories for #ShortStorySummer. #books
August 28, 2026 at 5:07 PM
My #FridayReads update. I'm getting an early start on my September TBR with Kelley Armstrong's "Bitten" (ebook) and Robert McCammon's "The Providence Rider." I've barely started those, since I'm mostly focusing on the last two stories for #ShortStorySummer. #books
#ShortStorySummer 29/30
Asia: “Who’s There?” by Dimas Rio
I feel like I’ve gotten a crash course in how to create one of those creepy ghost girls who look like drowning victims and crawl out of a well to seek revenge. #books
Asia: “Who’s There?” by Dimas Rio
I feel like I’ve gotten a crash course in how to create one of those creepy ghost girls who look like drowning victims and crawl out of a well to seek revenge. #books
August 29, 2026 at 7:34 PM
#ShortStorySummer 29/30
Asia: “Who’s There?” by Dimas Rio
I feel like I’ve gotten a crash course in how to create one of those creepy ghost girls who look like drowning victims and crawl out of a well to seek revenge. #books
Asia: “Who’s There?” by Dimas Rio
I feel like I’ve gotten a crash course in how to create one of those creepy ghost girls who look like drowning victims and crawl out of a well to seek revenge. #books
#ShortStorySummer 4/30
Horror: "Jerry's Kids Meet Wormboy," by David J. Schow
This one is an old favorite, a zombie apocalypse story from the first Book of the Dead anthology. It's been years since I've read it, but it still holds up. #books
Horror: "Jerry's Kids Meet Wormboy," by David J. Schow
This one is an old favorite, a zombie apocalypse story from the first Book of the Dead anthology. It's been years since I've read it, but it still holds up. #books
August 4, 2026 at 6:51 PM
#ShortStorySummer 4/30
Horror: "Jerry's Kids Meet Wormboy," by David J. Schow
This one is an old favorite, a zombie apocalypse story from the first Book of the Dead anthology. It's been years since I've read it, but it still holds up. #books
Horror: "Jerry's Kids Meet Wormboy," by David J. Schow
This one is an old favorite, a zombie apocalypse story from the first Book of the Dead anthology. It's been years since I've read it, but it still holds up. #books
#ShortStorySummer 14/30
Historical Fiction: “The Black Rock Coffin Makers,” by Louis L’Amour
It’s a case of mistaken identity and a fight to save a ranch, sprinkled liberally with elements I recognize from other L’Amour stories. I don’t mind because he’s a skilled storyteller. #books
Historical Fiction: “The Black Rock Coffin Makers,” by Louis L’Amour
It’s a case of mistaken identity and a fight to save a ranch, sprinkled liberally with elements I recognize from other L’Amour stories. I don’t mind because he’s a skilled storyteller. #books
August 14, 2026 at 2:22 PM
#ShortStorySummer 14/30
Historical Fiction: “The Black Rock Coffin Makers,” by Louis L’Amour
It’s a case of mistaken identity and a fight to save a ranch, sprinkled liberally with elements I recognize from other L’Amour stories. I don’t mind because he’s a skilled storyteller. #books
Historical Fiction: “The Black Rock Coffin Makers,” by Louis L’Amour
It’s a case of mistaken identity and a fight to save a ranch, sprinkled liberally with elements I recognize from other L’Amour stories. I don’t mind because he’s a skilled storyteller. #books
#ShortStorySummer 26/30
Science Fiction: “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” by Philip K. Dick
The basis for one of my favorite action movies, “Total Recall” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The story has significantly less action, but is still a fun mind-bender. #books
Science Fiction: “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” by Philip K. Dick
The basis for one of my favorite action movies, “Total Recall” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The story has significantly less action, but is still a fun mind-bender. #books
August 26, 2026 at 2:01 PM
#ShortStorySummer 26/30
Science Fiction: “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” by Philip K. Dick
The basis for one of my favorite action movies, “Total Recall” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The story has significantly less action, but is still a fun mind-bender. #books
Science Fiction: “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” by Philip K. Dick
The basis for one of my favorite action movies, “Total Recall” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. The story has significantly less action, but is still a fun mind-bender. #books
#ShortStorySummer 1/30: “Sheltered in Place,” by Brian Keene. From the horror anthology New Fears. It’s a disturbing story about the aftermath of a mass shooting. It was a hell of a gut punch to kick off this reading event, but a good choice. #books
August 2, 2026 at 9:09 AM
#ShortStorySummer 1/30: “Sheltered in Place,” by Brian Keene. From the horror anthology New Fears. It’s a disturbing story about the aftermath of a mass shooting. It was a hell of a gut punch to kick off this reading event, but a good choice. #books
#ShortStorySummer 27/30
Over 30 Pages: “Children of the Kingdom,” by T.E.D. Klein
This story has been lurking on my shelf for years, waiting to be read. Klein turned 1970s New York City into a disturbing Lovecraftian hellscape of secret religious texts, urban decay, and underground monsters. #books
Over 30 Pages: “Children of the Kingdom,” by T.E.D. Klein
This story has been lurking on my shelf for years, waiting to be read. Klein turned 1970s New York City into a disturbing Lovecraftian hellscape of secret religious texts, urban decay, and underground monsters. #books
August 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
#ShortStorySummer 27/30
Over 30 Pages: “Children of the Kingdom,” by T.E.D. Klein
This story has been lurking on my shelf for years, waiting to be read. Klein turned 1970s New York City into a disturbing Lovecraftian hellscape of secret religious texts, urban decay, and underground monsters. #books
Over 30 Pages: “Children of the Kingdom,” by T.E.D. Klein
This story has been lurking on my shelf for years, waiting to be read. Klein turned 1970s New York City into a disturbing Lovecraftian hellscape of secret religious texts, urban decay, and underground monsters. #books
#ShortStorySummer 20/30
North America: “Deportees,” by James Lee Burke
I was familiar with Burke’s novels about Dave Robicheaux, but not Hackberry Holland.
“I know your preacher well. I saw him at a cross-burning. He was setting fire to the cross. I was writing down license numbers.”
#books
North America: “Deportees,” by James Lee Burke
I was familiar with Burke’s novels about Dave Robicheaux, but not Hackberry Holland.
“I know your preacher well. I saw him at a cross-burning. He was setting fire to the cross. I was writing down license numbers.”
#books
August 20, 2026 at 3:15 PM
#ShortStorySummer 20/30
North America: “Deportees,” by James Lee Burke
I was familiar with Burke’s novels about Dave Robicheaux, but not Hackberry Holland.
“I know your preacher well. I saw him at a cross-burning. He was setting fire to the cross. I was writing down license numbers.”
#books
North America: “Deportees,” by James Lee Burke
I was familiar with Burke’s novels about Dave Robicheaux, but not Hackberry Holland.
“I know your preacher well. I saw him at a cross-burning. He was setting fire to the cross. I was writing down license numbers.”
#books
#ShortStorySummer 13/30
Unreliable Narrator: “The Cask of Amontillado,” by Edgar Allen Poe
After my Lovecraft binge, I may need to take up Poe. I always wonder if Montresor is lying about his motivations and has dozens of victims stashed in the basement with Fortunato. #books
💀🍷
Unreliable Narrator: “The Cask of Amontillado,” by Edgar Allen Poe
After my Lovecraft binge, I may need to take up Poe. I always wonder if Montresor is lying about his motivations and has dozens of victims stashed in the basement with Fortunato. #books
💀🍷
August 13, 2026 at 11:56 AM
#ShortStorySummer 13/30
Unreliable Narrator: “The Cask of Amontillado,” by Edgar Allen Poe
After my Lovecraft binge, I may need to take up Poe. I always wonder if Montresor is lying about his motivations and has dozens of victims stashed in the basement with Fortunato. #books
💀🍷
Unreliable Narrator: “The Cask of Amontillado,” by Edgar Allen Poe
After my Lovecraft binge, I may need to take up Poe. I always wonder if Montresor is lying about his motivations and has dozens of victims stashed in the basement with Fortunato. #books
💀🍷
#ShortStorySummer 15/30
1950-1979: “It’s a Good Life,” by Jerome Bixby
My favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is based on this short story, which manages to be even more terrifying. But it’s good that I think the story is scarier. Yes, indeed, it’s a real good thing. #books
1950-1979: “It’s a Good Life,” by Jerome Bixby
My favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is based on this short story, which manages to be even more terrifying. But it’s good that I think the story is scarier. Yes, indeed, it’s a real good thing. #books
August 15, 2026 at 5:07 PM
#ShortStorySummer 15/30
1950-1979: “It’s a Good Life,” by Jerome Bixby
My favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is based on this short story, which manages to be even more terrifying. But it’s good that I think the story is scarier. Yes, indeed, it’s a real good thing. #books
1950-1979: “It’s a Good Life,” by Jerome Bixby
My favorite episode of The Twilight Zone is based on this short story, which manages to be even more terrifying. But it’s good that I think the story is scarier. Yes, indeed, it’s a real good thing. #books
#ShortStorySummer 30/30
Award Winner: “Obits,” by Stephen King
I avoided repeating authors on this 30-day short story reading event, and knew I wanted King for the finale. The premise feels like a mashup of “Death Note” and King’s own “Word Processor of the Gods,” but I liked it. #books
Award Winner: “Obits,” by Stephen King
I avoided repeating authors on this 30-day short story reading event, and knew I wanted King for the finale. The premise feels like a mashup of “Death Note” and King’s own “Word Processor of the Gods,” but I liked it. #books
August 30, 2026 at 6:07 PM
#ShortStorySummer 30/30
Award Winner: “Obits,” by Stephen King
I avoided repeating authors on this 30-day short story reading event, and knew I wanted King for the finale. The premise feels like a mashup of “Death Note” and King’s own “Word Processor of the Gods,” but I liked it. #books
Award Winner: “Obits,” by Stephen King
I avoided repeating authors on this 30-day short story reading event, and knew I wanted King for the finale. The premise feels like a mashup of “Death Note” and King’s own “Word Processor of the Gods,” but I liked it. #books
#ShortStorySummer 22/30
Literary Fiction: “A&P,” by John Updike
John Updike was a very horny man, which really comes through in this story about a young man working at a grocery store when three girls wearing swimsuits walk in. A good story with a moment of fruitless rebellion, but very horny. #book
Literary Fiction: “A&P,” by John Updike
John Updike was a very horny man, which really comes through in this story about a young man working at a grocery store when three girls wearing swimsuits walk in. A good story with a moment of fruitless rebellion, but very horny. #book
August 22, 2026 at 6:25 PM
#ShortStorySummer 22/30
Literary Fiction: “A&P,” by John Updike
John Updike was a very horny man, which really comes through in this story about a young man working at a grocery store when three girls wearing swimsuits walk in. A good story with a moment of fruitless rebellion, but very horny. #book
Literary Fiction: “A&P,” by John Updike
John Updike was a very horny man, which really comes through in this story about a young man working at a grocery store when three girls wearing swimsuits walk in. A good story with a moment of fruitless rebellion, but very horny. #book
#ShortStorySummer 8/30
Under 10 Pages: “Salvation,” by Lawrence Person
This story, from Midnight Graffiti, is only two pages long and packs one hell of a punch (no pun intended). It’s one of those stories that’s stuck with me for years. #books
(Full text of the story at the link below)
Under 10 Pages: “Salvation,” by Lawrence Person
This story, from Midnight Graffiti, is only two pages long and packs one hell of a punch (no pun intended). It’s one of those stories that’s stuck with me for years. #books
(Full text of the story at the link below)
Salvation
www.revolutionsf.com
August 8, 2026 at 7:34 PM
#ShortStorySummer 8/30
Under 10 Pages: “Salvation,” by Lawrence Person
This story, from Midnight Graffiti, is only two pages long and packs one hell of a punch (no pun intended). It’s one of those stories that’s stuck with me for years. #books
(Full text of the story at the link below)
Under 10 Pages: “Salvation,” by Lawrence Person
This story, from Midnight Graffiti, is only two pages long and packs one hell of a punch (no pun intended). It’s one of those stories that’s stuck with me for years. #books
(Full text of the story at the link below)
#ShortStorySummer 16/30
Film/TV Adaptation: “The Unicorn in the Garden,” by James Thurber
I remember seeing this cartoon several times as a kid. I didn’t know anything about James Thurber, but it made me hope for a unicorn of my own one day. #books
Film/TV Adaptation: “The Unicorn in the Garden,” by James Thurber
I remember seeing this cartoon several times as a kid. I didn’t know anything about James Thurber, but it made me hope for a unicorn of my own one day. #books
UPA Cartoon - The Unicorn In The Garden (1953)
YouTube video by Robert Coates Returns Again
youtu.be
August 16, 2026 at 3:43 PM
#ShortStorySummer 16/30
Film/TV Adaptation: “The Unicorn in the Garden,” by James Thurber
I remember seeing this cartoon several times as a kid. I didn’t know anything about James Thurber, but it made me hope for a unicorn of my own one day. #books
Film/TV Adaptation: “The Unicorn in the Garden,” by James Thurber
I remember seeing this cartoon several times as a kid. I didn’t know anything about James Thurber, but it made me hope for a unicorn of my own one day. #books
#ShortStorySummer 17/30
2020s: "Parole Hearing, California Institution for Women, Chino, CA,” by Joyce Carol Oates
I didn’t know what I was in for with this one, a monologue from one of Manson’s aging followers about why she should be given parole… and why she should die behind bars. #books
2020s: "Parole Hearing, California Institution for Women, Chino, CA,” by Joyce Carol Oates
I didn’t know what I was in for with this one, a monologue from one of Manson’s aging followers about why she should be given parole… and why she should die behind bars. #books
Parole Hearing, California Institution for Women, Chino, CA
Because you gaze upon me with pity and contempt, thinking—Oh she is a monster! She is nothing like me. But I am like you. In my heart that is without pity, I am you.
celestialtimepiece.com
August 17, 2026 at 2:26 PM
#ShortStorySummer 17/30
2020s: "Parole Hearing, California Institution for Women, Chino, CA,” by Joyce Carol Oates
I didn’t know what I was in for with this one, a monologue from one of Manson’s aging followers about why she should be given parole… and why she should die behind bars. #books
2020s: "Parole Hearing, California Institution for Women, Chino, CA,” by Joyce Carol Oates
I didn’t know what I was in for with this one, a monologue from one of Manson’s aging followers about why she should be given parole… and why she should die behind bars. #books
#ShortStorySummer 25/30
1900-1949: "The Killers," by Ernest Hemingway
There's a "Yeah, but what happened next?" element to this story that left me feeling unsatisfied, like it ended ten pages too soon. #books
1900-1949: "The Killers," by Ernest Hemingway
There's a "Yeah, but what happened next?" element to this story that left me feeling unsatisfied, like it ended ten pages too soon. #books
August 25, 2026 at 4:46 PM
#ShortStorySummer 25/30
1900-1949: "The Killers," by Ernest Hemingway
There's a "Yeah, but what happened next?" element to this story that left me feeling unsatisfied, like it ended ten pages too soon. #books
1900-1949: "The Killers," by Ernest Hemingway
There's a "Yeah, but what happened next?" element to this story that left me feeling unsatisfied, like it ended ten pages too soon. #books
#ShortStorySummer
23/30
Fantasy: “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter,” by Robert E. Howard
24/30
Twist Ending: “The Open Window,” by Saki (H.H. Munro)
I forgot to post on Sunday, so here’s double. Yesterday it was some Conan sword and sorcery, and today was a cheeky classic. #books
23/30
Fantasy: “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter,” by Robert E. Howard
24/30
Twist Ending: “The Open Window,” by Saki (H.H. Munro)
I forgot to post on Sunday, so here’s double. Yesterday it was some Conan sword and sorcery, and today was a cheeky classic. #books
August 24, 2026 at 2:59 PM
#ShortStorySummer
23/30
Fantasy: “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter,” by Robert E. Howard
24/30
Twist Ending: “The Open Window,” by Saki (H.H. Munro)
I forgot to post on Sunday, so here’s double. Yesterday it was some Conan sword and sorcery, and today was a cheeky classic. #books
23/30
Fantasy: “The Frost-Giant’s Daughter,” by Robert E. Howard
24/30
Twist Ending: “The Open Window,” by Saki (H.H. Munro)
I forgot to post on Sunday, so here’s double. Yesterday it was some Conan sword and sorcery, and today was a cheeky classic. #books