I’ve recently started posting some of my short stories up on Smashwords. Most are completely free. Some are stories that have been published previously (but where the rights have now reverted back to me). Some are stories that have never been published either because I never submitted them or because they were just a bit too quirky or whatever (quirky? me? heehee). Hope you enjoy. I’ll be posting more up periodically as I find the time to format them (or finish them).

Sucks to Be Moi

A Sucks to Be Me short story featuring Mina, snarky teen vampire, when she encounters a new friend…and big trouble while on her way to Paris. This story is a continuation of the Sucks to Be Me series and a prelude to the third book, Sucks to Be Moi.

The character Astrid is based on the real-life Astrid Villareal, who won a contest and a chance to appear in a story with Mina.

Suitable for all age ranges (and it features George!)

One of the Boys

A noir-ish short story about a would-be gangster and what happens when he gets the chance he’s been looking for to prove himself to the Big Boss. But does he have the stomach for it? Better yet, is being “one of the boys” what he had in mind?

Proves the point that what you wish for isn’t always what you want.

Originally published in Hardboiled Magazine, issue #32, 2004.

Contains some suggestive language but overall suitable for ages 16 and up.

Inspired by the works and words of Mickey Spillane.

All of Me

A science fiction young adult (YA) short story — what if you discovered your parents had been experimenting on you and your sisters your entire life?

Annie discovers that she and her sisters may all be clones. She thinks she’s discovered what her parent’s secret goal is…but has she?

For those who have asked, this is a standalone story and there are no plans for a full-length treatment (but thanks for asking).

Suitable for all age ranges.

Uncle Mo’s Gastrointestinal Tract

An old-fashioned feeling comedic short story featuring an uncle in gastric distress and an intrepid young heroine. This short story is the result of a bet with three other YA authors (Brian Farrey, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Andrew Smith).

The bet involved each of us picking a horse running in the 2011 Kentucky Derby. The loser(s) would get a title for a short story assigned to them by the “winner” in front of them. The title was given to me by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

Uncle Mo was the name of the first horse I had picked, but he was scratched from the race due to gastrointestinal issues. My second choice horse came in dead last.

Killing Harry

Killing Harry is a tongue-in-cheek crime fiction short story about a hit woman named Hildie and what happens when a punk kid tries to steal her purse on her way back from a job, not realizing what she has inside it.

This story appeared originally in the magazine Shred of Evidence (which no longer exists) back in 2007, though this version has been updated and improved.

Contains moderate swearing and some suggestive content, but is overall suitable for readers aged 14 and up.

A Family of her Own

Jana longs to be a mother and a wife, but her crippling shyness has kept her from both. When a new virtual reality system promises everything she has ever wanted, she takes the plunge. But is it everything she hoped for?

A science fiction short story about what might happen when virtual reality becomes your reality…and the dangerous consequences.

Suitable for all ages, so long as you like creepy, though it probably skews a bit to older readers.