The Dark Doe

The night has fallen upon the forest, darkness closes upon all I see. Neither moon nor stars shine to light my way, but I neither lose my path nor falter. For the path of stones stretches before me, a pale strip in the malevolent night. A lone guardian stands just on its edge; silent, watchful, …

The Dangers Of The Night

Within the night the darkness beckons, sweet seductress is the siren's call. There's danger in that silent refrain, drawing us ever near our own fall. Silent winds push us ever forward, cry laden with creatures of the night. It is their domain that I now tread, and on their rules will I live and fight. …

Magic Strikes: Magic And Culture

The Magic series of Ilona Andrews is well known for bringing new life to old concepts and no where is this more true than in magic itself. Unlike other novels with this mystical element in it, the magic series has made it as much about culture as it is about hurling fireballs, and no where …

Short Stories Can Be So Much More

I've both read and wrote short stories. Not many--I'll admit--but it's happened. Usually, those versions of narratives are no more than short skits of entertainment, but as I've written over the years, they've become so much more. Short stories can be the bed rock of good ideas. The first novel that I ever wrote started …

Sunset Deer

The sun sets, easing its blistering rays; grass grows golden in its caress and the shadows lengthen and darken too. Night comes but she stays, crouching in the light. Guardian and last watcher of the day. She regards me with calm and regales; resting in shadow and bathed in the sun. I gaze into her …

Summer

Burns the air and every breath.