Marco Etheridge Fiction

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Bernoulli’s Heart – A New Short Story

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New Literary Fiction from The Manifest-Station

Bernoulli’s Heart – A New Short Story

Bernoulli’s Heart – A New Short Story for you, my dear readers, because you are bodacious! My latest published short story, Bernoulli’s Heart, has just gone live at Manifest-Station. Bernoulli’s Heart is the story of two ex-lovers meeting at the funeral of an old friend. “A car crash, an OD, a cancer diagnosis, and before you know it your heart is filled with dead people elbowing for space. My heart is getting crowded.” Bernoulli’s Heart is a free read at Manifest-Station. I hope you will take the time to check it out. Huge shout out to the editors at Manifest-Station and to you, my wonderful and enlightened readers!

Read Bernoulli’s Heart NOW!

Bernoulli’s Heart is a available now as a free, online read. Just mash the big “Read Now” button that appears below. The online ‘Zine The Manifest-Station is free for your reading pleasure. So just follow the link, which will take you directly to the story and you’re in! I hope that you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Read Bernoullis Heart

Or, if you’re button phobic, here is the link to my latest new literary fiction at Literally Stories. The story is there for your reading pleasure, so what are you waiting for?

Bernoulli’s Heart

More Stories Going Live In the Next Weeks!

The month of March was wild, with ten acceptances strutting through the hallowed gates here at MEF. April has yielded five more so far. As a result, expect many more stories following hot on the heels of Bernoulli’s Heart. In fact, my next story, Between Stars and Drowning, will go live tomorrow. It goes without saying that you should stay tuned to the MEF posts and newsletter for updates and publishing announcements.

If you’re in the mood for a longer read, how about a novel to help pass the Time of Corona? Here is a link to my novel The Best Dark Rain. This great post-apocalyptic love story is available at fine online booksellers.

The Best Dark Rain: A Post Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love

The Best Dark Rain: A Post Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love

Seattle is dead. Almost dead. Liz and Pat are the last couple standing. Survival is only half the battle. Living is hard, trusting is harder.

There is precious little room for love in a dead city, a dead world. For not quite everyone died. Better if they had. Armed bands stalk the streets. In the shadows worse enemies prowl, horrible enemies. At the center of this bleak urban waste lies a makeshift fort. It is the refuge of Liz Walker and Pat O’Shea. They are the last living couple in the shell of what was once Seattle.

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About the Book
There is precious little room for love in a dead city, a dead world. For not quite everyone died. Better if they had. Armed bands stalk the streets. In the shadows worse enemies prowl, horrible enemies. At the center of this bleak urban waste lies a makeshift fort. It is the refuge of Liz Walker and Pat O’Shea. They are the last living couple in the shell of what was once Seattle. Here on these dead streets a woman and a man must learn to love and fight. They bear weapons scavenged from the dead. Each of them carries the shadow of a past that could threaten their future. Amid murderous survivors and unlikely allies, the threat of hunters and the danger of trusting, Liz and Pat must battle for their lives. The stakes are high. For they must protect their newfound love as well as their lives. To lose either means to face alone this horrific world. Follow the adventure of Liz and Pat in The Best Dark Rain: A Post-Apocalyptic Struggle for Life and Love. Buy your copy today!
Details
Series: Best Dark Rain, Book 2
Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction
Tags: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction, Recommended Books
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction
Publication Year: 2017
Format: eBook & PPB
Length: 343
ASIN: B0784B4W6N
ISBN: 1973343541
List Price: 13.99
eBook Price: 3.99
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the page above are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Because I love you, my amazing readers, let me say keep reading, stay healthy, be kind, and Ciao for Now!

To Keep the Wound Green – New Literary Fiction

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A New Short Story from Literally Stories

To Keep the Wound Green – New Literary Fiction

To Keep the Wound Green – New Literary Fiction for you, my readers, because you are wonderful! My latest story, To Keep the Wound Green, just went live at the great online ‘Zine Literally Stories. To Keep the Wound Green is set in a French village amidst the horrors of World War One. This tale begins and ends with funerals that feature very odd-sized coffins. A young woman dead and there is enough blame to fill the trenches. And behind everything there is a hard patriarch who demands a bloody justice. I want to throw out a huge shout-out and thanks to the wondrous editors at Literally Stories for their continued support of my fiction work.

Read To Keep the Wound Green NOW!

To Keep the Wound Green is a available now as a free, online read. Just mash the big “Read Now” button that appears below. The online ‘Zine Literally Stories is free for your reading pleasure. So just follow the link, which will take you directly to the story and you’re in! I hope that you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Read To Keep the Wound Green

Or, if you’re button phobic, here is the link to my latest new literary fiction at Literally Stories. The story is there for your reading pleasure, so what are you waiting for?

To Keep the Wound Green By Marco Etheridge

More Stories Going Live This Month!

The month of March was been the wildest run of accepted stories ever! Ten acceptances came strutting through the hallowed gates last month and April has yielded four more so far. As a result, expect many more stories going live in the coming months. It goes without saying that you should stay tuned to the MEF posts and newsletter for updates and publishing announcements.

If you’re in the mood for a longer read, how about a novel to help pass the Time of Corona? Here is a link to my latest book, “Breaking the Bundles.” This great conspiracy novel is available at fine online booksellers.

Breaking the Bundles

Because I love you, my amazing readers, let me say keep reading, stay healthy, be kind, and Ciao for Now!

Filed-Down Sights – A New Short Story

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New Literary Fiction from Prime Number Magazine

Filed-Down Sights – A New Short Story

Filed-Down Sights – A new short story for you, my wondrous readers! My latest short story, Filed-Down Sights, just went live at Prime Number Magazine. Filed-Down Sights is the story of a hard woman, a one-eyed dog, a thief, a revolver, and memory. This is the third story in my Old Talk Trilogy. Huge thanks to the editors at Press 53 and Prime Number Magazine, and a special thanks to guest editor Dennis McFadden for choosing my story.

I am very excited to have this story published. This particular story is very special to me. Bonnie is the name of the main character. She and I have been on a long journey together. I was and am sorry to let her go.

Read Filed-Down Sights NOW!

Filed-Down Sights is a available now as a free, online read. Just mash the big “Read Now” button that appears below. This online ‘Zine is free for your reading pleasure. Just follow the link, which will take you directly to the story and you’re in! I hope that you enjoy reading this story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Read Filed-Down Sights

Or, if you’re button phobic, here is the link to my latest new literary fiction at Prime Number Magazine. The story is there for your reading pleasure, so what are you waiting for?

https://www.press53.com/issue-193-short-fiction#Marco

More Stories Coming Soon…

The month of March has been the wildest run of accepted stories that I have experienced to date. Ten acceptances came strutting through the hallowed gates, nine for short stories and one for a stage-play! With that said, expect many more stories going live in the coming months. It goes without saying that you should stay tuned to the MEF posts and newsletter for updates and publishing announcements.

I truly hope you like this latest story. If you do enjoy the character of Bonnie, she appears in two previous stories: Old Talk and A Breach in the Wall. In the meantime, stay healthy in these strangest of times. Thanks for being readers. Be Happy, Be Well, Be the World You Imagine! And hey, a major shout-out to my readers just for being you. Readers Rock!!

Or how about a novel to help pass the Time of Corona? Here is a link to my latest book, “Breaking the Bundles.” This great conspiracy novel is available at fine online booksellers.

Breaking the Bundles

Keep reading, stay healthy, be kind, and Ciao for Now!

The Oblate’s Journey – New Literary Fiction

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Literary Mischief from The Thieving Magpie

The Thieving Magpie — Lucky Issue #13

The Oblate’s Journey – New Literary Fiction

The Oblate’s Journey – New Literary Fiction for you, my fantastic readers! My latest short story has just been published in The Thieving Magpie Lucky Issue #13. The Oblate’s Journey is the tale of one young man’s journey into the unknown, amidst the perils of the Great Pestilence of 1348. There might just be a few parallels to our current situation. Huge thanks to the editors at The Thieving Magpie.

I also want to throw out a special MEF shout-out to Jacob James Anthony Accurso for sharing his knowledge of the Benedictine orders, and particularly for his technical help on what monks of the Fourteenth Century would be wearing.

Read The Oblate’s Journey NOW!

The Oblate’s Journey is a available now as a free, online read. Just mash the big “Read Now” button that appears below. This online ‘Zine is free for your reading pleasure. Just follow the link, which will take you directly to the story and you’re in! I really hope that you enjoy The Oblate’s Journey.

Read The Oblates Journey

Or, if you’re button phobic, here is the link to my latest new literary fiction at The Thieving Magpie. The story is there for your reading pleasure, so what are you waiting for?

Marco Etheridge – Fiction

More Stories headed your way…

The month of March has been the wildest run of accepted stories that I have experienced to date. Ten acceptances came strutting through the hallowed gates, nine for short stories and one for a stage-play! With that said, expect many more stories going live in the coming months. It goes without saying that you should stay tuned to the MEF posts and newsletter for updates and publishing announcements.

I truly hope you like this latest story. Stay healthy in these strangest of times. Thanks for being readers. Be Kind, Be Well, Be the World You Imagine! And hey, a major shout-out to my readers just for being you. Readers Rock!!

Or how about a novel to help pass the Time of Corona? Here is a link to my latest book, “Breaking the Bundles.” This great conspiracy novel is available at fine online booksellers.

Breaking the Bundles

Keep reading, stay healthy, be kind, and Ciao for Now!

The Beacon – New Literary Fiction

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Just Published at Smokey Blue Literature and Arts

The Beacon – New Literary Fiction

“The Beacon” – New Literary Fiction for you, my wonderful readers! My latest short story has just been published at Smokey Blue Literary and Arts Magazine. “The Beacon” is a dark and yet hopeful story about a young woman despairing of an empty life and an unlikely meeting that alters her life’s path. This is a straight-up literary fiction story and I do hope you enjoy it. I want to throw down a huge shout-out and thanks to the editors of Smokey Blue for having faith in my work.

Read “The Beacon” Now!

“The Beacon” is a available now as a free, online read. Just mash the big “Read Now” button that appears just below. This online ‘Zine is free for your reading pleasure. Just follow the link, click on the cover (Issue #14, Spring 2021) and you’re in! Click on the magazine cover and page through it until you reach page 70. That is where you will find my story “The Beacon.”

Read The Beacon

Or, if you’d rather, here is the link to latest new literary fiction at Smokey Blue on issuu, the free reading platform. Again, click on the arrows to scroll through the magazine. My story in on page 70.

“The Beacon” at Smokey Blue and issuu…

More Stories headed your way…

2021 has been a wild year here at MEF with more stories going live in the coming months. Another story, “Crow Chain,” was just accepted today! And… Stay tuned to the MEF posts and newsletter for updates and publishing announcements.

I truly hope you like this latest story. Stay healthy in these strangest of times. Thanks for being readers. Be Kind, Be Well, Be the World You Imagine! And hey, a major shout-out to my readers just for being you. Readers Rock!!

Or how about a novel to help pass the Time of Corona? Here is a link to my latest book, “Breaking the Bundles.” This great conspiracy novel is available at fine online booksellers.

Breaking the Bundles

The Dino Kid

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Flash Fiction for Fasching

“The Dino Kid” first appeared in Everyday Fiction in November, 2019.

“The Dino Kid” by Marco Etheridge

A new year has dawned and there are dinosaurs in the streets of Vienna. I climb from the underground station, up the wide, worn, stone stairs. The icy fingers of a Vienna January dance down the open promenade of Mariahilfer Straße, where I have come in hopes of finding a gift to send back across the width of the Atlantic. The wind searches for unprotected flesh and finds mine. My hand freezes in the act of tightening my scarf, arrested at the sight of a prehistoric creature prowling the paving stones.

The dinosaur looks to be a cross between a stegosaurus and a tyrannosaurus rex, if such an unlikely breeding were possible. Stranger yet, it is only three feet tall. Its skin is a bright green, the painful emerald of a cartoon spring. The bright hide is dotted with circles of yellow and purple. Matching purple and yellow fins trail down its back; alternating colors descending to the tip of an upturned tail. The tail itself has a jaunty quality, bobbing along just above the pavement. It swings back and forth, suspended from an almost invisible string. The string shimmers against the backdrop of the skin, a faint gleam of light where it rises from the tip of the tail to the dinosaur’s back.

The dinosaur’s left arm is raised above its shoulder. A tall, smiling woman is holding the dinosaur’s paw, seemingly unaware of its razor-sharp claws. The woman and the little dinosaur walk down the street slowly, paw in hand, up-curled tail dancing behind. They are closer now. I can see the dinosaur’s face. The bright green skin is pulled tight across the creature’s head, framing the happy face of a little boy. The boy is the age of the son I carry in my memory, grown now into a man. 

The little dinosaur turns his face upwards, causing the purple and yellow fins at the back of his neck to flop about. He has a small voice matching his diminutive stature, clear and bell-like. From where I stand, I can hear the elongated ells of his Austrian accent. The dinosaur’s German is better than mine by the sound of it. The woman smiles down at the little creature, says something I cannot catch. A peal of laughter bursts from the boy-dinosaur, causing the suspended tail to shake.

Then I remember: The sudden appearance of a Mesozoic life form makes sense to me now. It is Fasching, the Germanic version of Carnival, the long lead up to Lent. This is the season of reversal rituals, pagan rites peeking from beneath a brocaded Catholic cloak. For the Austrians, Fasching begins on New Years Day, and the New Year has come to pass. There will be processions, parades, and parties leading to Faschingsdienstag: Fat Tuesday. It will soon be Mardis Gras in Vienna, and today there are costumed dinosaurs.

They are close now, the woman and the dinosaur. The Dino Kid’s feet are over-sized, with plush claws reaching forward as if to rend the pavement. The claws make a soft swishing against the cold flagstones.

Then I see the glow, the palest grass-green light imaginable. Stubby dinosaur legs move forward and the glow moves as well. It is a shimmering hemisphere radiating out from the Dino Kid, hovering above him, taller than the woman beside him. He takes two more lurching steps and I am engulfed in a radiant bubble.

It is warm inside the glimmering verdant glow. The warmth of it banishes the creeping, flesh-seeking fingers of winter. The building façades vanish; cold, grey stone replaced by a canopy of tree ferns towering far above my head. Inside the bubble, everything is tinged with the pale promise of spring. For the briefest of moments, I am transported to another place and time, both familiar. In that distant long ago, I held the hand of another small boy, that precious child who was the center of my own safe sphere.

The little dinosaur moves forward, pulling the hand of the woman, and the glowing dome follows. The frigid wind finds the exposed skin on my neck where my scarf has pulled loose. The tree ferns are gone; the cold stone returns.

The Dino Kid and his pulsing bubble move off down the broad sidewalk. Busy Viennese shoppers stray into the glow by turns. For a fleeting moment their bodies straighten, heads raise. They smile, unsure why. Then the moss-green bubble moves on, and they hunch against the cold once more.

I know why they smile, for I can see the shimmering membrane that has passed over them, even if they do not. It is two decades passed and six thousand miles away, yet I have been at the center of the glow and I know it still.

The woman stops under a stone archway, hand reaching for the ornate handle of a heavy wooden door. The door opens, she takes a step, disappears from view. Only her arm remains, still tethered to the Dino Kid. He looks up and down the sidewalk, yellow and purple fins flopping about, a grin plastered over his face. Then the arm is pulling him and the Dino Kid vanishes. The shimmering emerald bubble vanishes with him, shrinking down to squeeze through the doorway. In my head I hear a cartoon popping noise, but it is just my imagination.

The hand of an inner clock ticks, a tumbler falls, and I am once more able to move. I raise my hands to my face, breathe a fog of warmth across my cold fingertips. My eyes search the promenade for a shop from which I can purchase a gift, a token that will be shipped to another continent. I imagine the package arriving, picture it being added to a stack of unopened letters bearing foreign stamps. The freezing wind bites deeper, and my feet begin to move of their own accord, as is their habit.

The End

And…

I hope you liked this little piece of flash fiction. Please stay safe and healthy and be kind to one another. We are all rowing the same boat.

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