Ten Stories

My Publications of 2024

What a whirlwind of a year 2024 has been! A mixture of big changes, joys, and challenges. But amidst it all, God gave me stories to tell. Here’s a look at the ten that were published over the last twelve months, sorted by publisher.

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Calla Press Publishing

“Light of Faith” was part of Calla Press’s 2024 Summer Online Journal. This flash fiction piece tells what happens when a girl is confronted by Fear in a dark, terrifying forest. I hope it encourages believers battling anxiety and unknowns to cling to the promises of God.

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Havok Publishing

I was blessed to publish five flash fiction tales with Havok during their year-long “Remember When” season! Two of these stories also won spots in the season eleven anthology to be published next spring.

• “Hazel Hood” — A retelling of “Little Red Riding Hood” from the plucky perspective of the tale’s true hero.

• “Big Ben” — A Neverland tale told from the point of view of its one and only self-satisfied crocodile.

• “Wish Come True” — A twist on “Aladdin” where the female genie must find the courage to tell her master her true feelings.

• “Bittersweet” — A story involving a candy shop in autumn, a retired magician, a mourning queen, and a memory she longs to forget.

• “Ivy & Frost” — A sweet mystery featuring Santa’s summer-loving second daughter and the famous winter artist, Jack Frost.

If you have a Havok membership ($4.99 a year), you can read these stories here. If not, don’t worry—you’ll get a chance to read them for *free* in a couple of weeks!

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The Order of the Pen Press

“The Phantom” is my longest published short story and can be found in the Sailing Magic anthology. Inspired by pirate lore, my historical fantasy includes a ghostly ship, mysterious storms, and a young woman bearing the mark of her broken past.

Sailing Magic features ten unique stories about ships and is available in two formats: paperback and e-book.

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Twenty Hills Publishing

These Ties We Forge is a special charity anthology, the majority of its royalties going to missions work at a baby home in South Africa. It’s also special to me because it’s the first time my writing was ever published in print.

• “To Save a Story” — Twelve-year-old Aylee was born different from other forest folk, but one dear soul still chose to love and care for her. On the day of our story, Aylee is given a chance to pass that kindness on to another in need.

• “Fairest Heir” — For years, Eira—once heir to the throne—has resented acting as servant to her younger half sister. But she overhears a secret conversation between her stepmother and a magic mirror that changes everything.

This anthology is available in e-book and paperback formats.

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And last, but most definitely not least…

I got to be part of this contemporary romance collection with many of my writer friends! It contains thirteen short stories including my piece, “Up in the Air,” where a roller coaster ride stalling on the lift hill leads to the main character’s life moving forward in other ways.

If you’d like a taste of summer during these cold winter days, here’s your free e-book as a thank you for following my writing journey here on Substack. And be sure to find and follow the other lovely authors online, as well.

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I’m grateful for these publications and what God has taught me through them! Tell me, which ones were your favorites? I’d love to hear as I contemplate new tales to write in the new year.

Have a joyous Christmas, friends!

Holly