Book Brouhaha

 Her name was Aidia and she never slept. The grey mists seeped down from the hills and covered her in a damp shroud as she walked. Her grey hair was pulled back and her steel eyes stared straight ahead. She stepped out onto the lake, the water clinging to the soles of her boots. Ice crystals formed and slivered outward from beneath her feet. As cold as midwinter she moved toward the island. Aidia looked up at the ruby walls of the keep and for a moment trembled. She gripped the icicle hanging from its silk cord around her neck and felt cold determination replace her fears. She set foot onto the island and walked through the open gate. It struck her how much easier it was to enter this time than before, but this time she had no intention of stealing anything away and she guessed that she was expected. The carved double doors of the hall swung open and a wave of heat rushed out to bid her welcome. Arhidfel did not. He stood at the end of the hall near the great hearth in robes the sh...

How did you become interested in short stories? A teacher in the 4th grade got me into writing short stories.  So I guess I was an early convert to the short story form.  I love reading them and have since I was little, so I guess it is only natural that I write them, too. As an author, do you think writing short stories is worthwhile?  Why? Yes. Very, very worthwhile.  Short stories are tougher to write then they look, but the rewards are also better in terms of craft and experimentation.  I can take a technique or an idea and explore it in a short story while only investing a relatively (compared to a novel) small amount of time and effort.  Short stories give me room to play and try out ideas and characters that aren't right for a longer piece.    What types of short story promotion have worked for you? Selling to magazines seems to be the best route, but I'm not sure you'd call that promotion exactly.  I think the low price (.99 ce...