VAMPIREBUNNY REVIEW: "Cupid, Playing" by Kenneth C. Goldman

"Cupid, Playing" by Kenneth C. Goldman, appearing in Flash!, pp 31-32.  Edited by Chris Bartholomew, published by Static Movement.

4 Bunnies out of 5.

SYNOPSIS:  An unsuspecting couple are being watched by Cupid, who has his bow and arrow at the ready...

This story is taken from SM's salvaged anthology "Flash!"  For those of you who don't know the background to this book, it was originally supposed to be published by a publisher who closed up shop before it saw completion.  Fortunately for us readers, Chris Bartholomew saved the day and brought this book into the world and gave us the tale "Cupid, Playing."  A snappy little piece of flash fiction, Goldman presents us with a portrait of a character we are all familiar with and turns it on its head.  Yes, okay, it's a format we've seen before - inverting the norm - but by using the character of Cupid, it's quite fun to imagine a thousand crummy Valentines cards being metaphorically set on fire.

Anyway, onto the actual writing itself, even if the tale was about Cupid simply seeking out a couple to match up, it would still be beautifully begun.  The build-up is just so wonderfully cheesy and corny, as the couple proclaim their love for one another.  I don't want to reveal the twist but let me just say that it's pretty much what I've often wished would actually happen during almost every romantic comedy I've ever watched.  Bam.

Due to the fact that this is a flash piece, I'm struggling not to reveal what the twist is.  However, what I will say is that this story gives us exactly what flash is supposed to - a twist in the tale.  It's enjoyable and fun and totally worth a read.  The great thing about this anthology is that it's a whole collection of pieces like Goldman's and to think that it almost didn't get published is almost as scary as some of the stories in it.  Thank the stars for Static Movement and for Kenneth Goldman for submitting his story to this fantastic wee book.

THOUGHTS FROM THE RABBIT HOLE:  A snappy little twist in the tale piece which turns the Cupid image on its head.

Well done Ken!!!

Lotsaluv, Em

REVIEW: "Tiny Grave" by Sean Monaghan

"Tiny Graves" by Sean Monaghan, appearing inThe Shadow People edited by Chris Bartholomew. Published by Static Movement.

4 bunnies out of 5.

SYNOPSIS: A businessman's family are being tormented while he is away on business.

What a great story. Really loved this. Totally gutted that I didn't have the chance to review this sooner. Apologies. Anywho, "Tiny Graves" is a perfect fit in this anthology of shadowy tales. Fantastic build-up and a convincing little family that the reader genuinely worry for as the story progresses. Both kids are likeable while the mother instantly gave me a curious buzz of warning.

A great touch to this tale is the fact that the main bulk of the terror takes place on the other end of the telephone. Louis has to listen to the frightning events on the phone which is without a doubt the scariest element in the whole story. The reader goes through exactly the same as Louis; missing parts of the action and being left out of the loop. Brilliant technique. Applause for Monaghan on this. Loved this.

The only thing that lets this piece down is that I feel that it's over too quick. With such a lengthy build-up and dramatic indirect action, I feel that the come-down could have been a bit more drawn out. Can't say much without spoiling the ending but I would happily have read about another 1000 words of "Tiny Graves".

Thoughts from the rabbit hole: Likeable characters and a fantastically well-constructed tale. Just wish there was more of it!!!

Well done Sean!

Lotsaluv, Em

New Project!

Noticed post over at Wicked East Press advertising an open call for single author collections and now that I'm finished with uni, this is my new main focus.  Eeeeep!

My collection is entitled "Simple Twists of Fate" (a spin on my fave Bob Dylan song) and it's shaping up goooooooood so far.  Just finished collating the reprints that will be included and they finish up at 30,000.  I'm aiming to hit 90-95,000 in total, so that should give you an idea of how much brand new material will be crammed into this tasty feast of fiction!

Reprints featured are:

Chasing Rabbits (Daily Bites of Flesh)
Death and the Maiden (Pandora's Nightmare)
Another Girl’s Paradise(Daily Flash)
Time (Daily Flash)
Clowns All Around You (Dusted)
Starry Eyed (Moon Washed Kisses)
Dark Wings (Daily Erotica)
Pride and Joy (Flash!)
The Hunt (Howl)
Loss (Cedar Chest)
Glitter and Trauma (The Shadow People)
Moth Touch (Creepy Things)

I'm pretty certain that I won't use any more reprints other than these.  Glitter and Trauma takes up the bulk of it but it's mostly flash as you can see.  Very excited about the new pieces.  Got about 3 or 4 to type up tomorrow and once I get to work on Saturday, I know I've got a notepad in there with a few pieces in it too.  Should be awesome!!!

As with my vampire collection that I wrote before, I'm doing this in a NaNoWriMo format, writing as many words as possible every day and then I'll get to the editing process later.  Determined to come up with at least 60-65,000 words of brand new fiction.  At the end of every post throughout the next month, I'll stick a progress count so that you can keep up to date with the collection.

I'm also aware that I owe about 3 reviews.  Will have at least 1 of these up by tomorrow morning, I promise!

Wish me luck, bunnies!!!!

Lotsaluv, Em

Current word count on new stories: 9,641 words :-) Fair start.