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Showing posts from March, 2013

Review of "Cops, Crooks & Other Stories in 100 Words," Flash Fiction Collection by Mark S. Bacon

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Summary: A woman makes a daring escape from a bank robbery--with help from a cop. A detective sergeant outwits his inspector and solves the murder at a snowed-in manor. Two con men meet unexpectedly when they’re both plying their trade at the same resort hotel. These are some of the seemingly complex stories begun and resolved in exactly 100 words. Seven of the stories in this collection have been published in five different online magazines: Stymie Magazine, 101 Words, Flashshot, 100-Word Story and MicroHorror. Other stories include a man who discovers--and loses--his long-lost love at a ball game. A hit man receives an unusual request and is unable to comply. And a fatigued long-haul trucker reaches a bizarre destination. Each entry is a complete story, most with a protagonist, a challenge and resolution. Here are 101 mini mysteries, mini puzzles with unexpected, satisfying endings. Crime/mystery and law enforcement-oriented stories make up about half the collection. Also inc...

Beta Reading for Your Short Stories!

I am very pleased to announce that Beta Reading is now being offered here at Book Brouhaha!  A Beta Reader reads an author’s manuscript before it is sent to an editor and offers constructive criticism focusing on the flow of the story, characterization, dialogue, and potential plot holes. All authors need multiple Beta Readers to help improve their craft. Without them, an author cannot obtain objective feedback on the story and could potentially pay more in editing costs because of the level of effort needed to improve it. The feedback offered during Beta Reading is private and will not be posted anywhere on the blog.  Think of it as an in-depth, personal review.  You can read more about this service by clicking on the Beta Reading tab at the top or by clicking here .

Review of "Dreamweaver," a short story by Benjamin Goshko

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Summary: Tonight, Somnus, God of Sleep, has tasked Dreamweaver to craft a happy dreamscape for a little girl named Abigail. The assignment seems routine at first, but, no matter what webs he spins, Dreamweaver cannot please the child. The only thing Abigail wants is to be reunited with her father. Failing to grant her this one wish will forever banish Dreamweaver to the dark netherworld. Review: This was a simply delightful story.  I want to say bordering on a fairy tale...?  Sort of...?  It didn't start with a "once upon the time" but for some reason it just struck me as belonging to that category. Goshko does a fantastic job exploring the depth of pain and loss without attempting intentional heart string pulling.  It was a brilliant touch telling the story from the Dreamwaver's point of view.  The Dreamweaver is a spirit and therefore provides a sense objectivity as he explores each person's dream to try and get the complete story. There w...

SFWG 2013 Romance Contest RESULTS

We would like to thank everyone that took the time to submit to our first romance contest. Here at SFWG we want to try and celebrate all genres of short fiction which is why we chose something very different from speculative fiction this time around. And now for the results! First Prize goes to Amy Krohn for her story "The Third Painting."  Amy has graciously offered to give a free PDF copy to anyone interested in reading her story. You can contact her at: amy.krohn@yahoo.com Second Prize goes to Laura Lond for her story "A Merman's Kiss." You can buy this story on  Amazon or Barnes & Noble . Third Prize goes to Melissa Keir for her story "A Christmas Accident." You can buy this story on Amazon , Barnes & Noble or Secret Cravings Publishing . Always be on the lookout for future contest announcements on our site !