Publications – Page 2 – kirabug's idea files

Two years ago, my story “The Smell of Home,” about an old dog who turned out to be more than he seemed, was published in the 2018 Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide. Last year, my story “The Ground Shifted”, about a teen with a vestibular disorder discovering the source of her problems, was accepted for publication in the Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide Volume 5.

This year, “Three Minutes Ahead” about a young girl who gets premonitions of the future, can see into multiple universes, and lost her service dog, was accepted for publication in the Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide Volume 6.

The Young Explorers Adventure Guide series is middle-grade/young adult science fiction aimed to represent a diverse range of characters and situations. I’ve enjoyed writing for it, and as far as I know all the kids who’ve read it have enjoyed reading from it.

The kickstarter for this year’s volume launched recently and you can preorder/pledge for a copy now.

(OMG that cover is gorgeous!)

December 30, 2018

What I wrote in 2018

Publications

It’s yes, I should write an eligibility post season again.

Short stories published in 2018

“The Ground Shifted”, published by Dreaming Robot Press in Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide Volume 5. Each year the publishers collect science fiction stories appropriate to middle-grade readers regarding exploring. They emphasize diversity in characters and situations.

“You know about this?” Rosetta replied. “It’s a half a cat.”

“Well, technically it’s a holographic presentation of half a cat. The house’s AI sends her in when there’s something it can’t do and needs the inhabitants to take over.” Auntie replied. “I wonder if the ventilation system is clogged again.”

“WHY IS IT ONLY HALF A CAT?” Rosetta stabbed into the keyboard.

“You’ve only got a half a house, so she’s only half a cat,” Auntie replied.

Poetry published in 2018

“Food Shopping”, published by Lycan Valley Press in Darkling’s Beasts and Brews: Poetry with a Drink on the Side.

The parking lot’s dimples retained last night’s storm
each wheel well shimmering with rainbows
when the Cadillac rolled in, heavy.

You threw open the door and clambered out.
First sandals, then navy blue cotton pants
festooned with smiling crescent moons
then a linen shirt,
puffy sleeves stained with potions and charms
a beard that covered eyelet and drawstring close at the collar
A practiced motion tucked the point on the hat of a wizard point under the door frame

You were muttering even before you had the door closed.

Other stuff

If you’re more of the User Experience or Design wonk, you may be interested in my list of posts on The Interconnected, where I’ve published numerous articles on UX, Design, and being a human in the internet age.

December 21, 2018

Darkling’s Beasts and Brews: Poetry with a Drink on the Side is now available!

Publications

My poem “Food Shopping” is now available in print in a cookbook.

Yes, a cookbook. Or more correctly, a collection of drink recipes paired with poems. And it’s a hardback!

In this particular case, my poem has been paired with Dragon’s Claw Punch, which should surprise exactly no one who knows me 🙂

The official press release:

Darkling’s Beasts & Brews is available for pre-order on Amazon! Check out Darkling – Lycan Valley’s Graveyard Host’s 70+ drink concoctions with corresponding poems from around the valley. (Includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic recipes in seven categories — Coffee & Tea, Cocktails & Mixed Drinks, Milkshakes, Smoothies, Shots, Punch and a bonus Killer Clown section.) Cover design by Kealan Patrick Burke, Darkling art by M Wayne Miller, Interior clown art by Stephen Cooney

A goth or maybe vampire woman with no pupils, black and green hair and a raven stares out of the cover of Darkling's Beasts and Brews. Darkling’s Beasts and Brews: Poetry with a Drink on the Side at Amazon.com

December 14, 2018

Young Explorers Adventure Guide Volume 5 now available in stores!

Publications

Do you like half-cat home security systems? Rogue physics experiments? Rebellious teenagers? If so, you should be reading, “The Ground Shifted”, the latest story I’ve published. You can find it in the Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide, Volume 5, now available in stores.

The anthology contains 24 science-fiction stories for middle-grade readers (and up—and don’t tell me that doesn’t include you because it totally does) that will take you on adventures all over the universe.

October 16, 2018

Good news!

One Among the Dead•Publications

Sometimes you need a project that’s just for, y’know, goofing around. This is the ongoing saga of my Minecraft character. For lack of a better title, we’re going with “One Among the Dead”.

After much hemming and hawing, I have purchased a new laptop. So our adventures for One Among the Dead will be resuming shortly! Sometime after I actually, like, remember what the heck I was doing.

It’s almost tempting to start a new world… might give her a complex though.

Meanwhile a reminder that if you haven’t looked at the Kickstarter for The Young Explorer’s Adventure Guide Volume Five, it’s open for only eight more days. They’re about $500 short of funding so your $5 pledge gets you a DRM-free e-book and gets a bunch of kids closer to awesome reading material. (And it gets you one of my stories!)