Epistles to the Horsemen – New Dark Fiction

New Dark Fiction – Epistles to the Horsemen

Dark Fiction – Epistles to the Horsemen. My hybrid story Epistles to the Horsemen has just been published by the good folks at 7th Circle Pyrite. Epistles to the Horsemen is written as a series of letters from one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse to his three companions. The genre is epistolary fiction. Put on your Dark Hat, kids. This one gets black.

Read the Epistles NOW!

Read Epistles to the Horsemen

Needless to say, everyone loves a good read. There is no doubt that 7th Circle Pyrite is a great mix of stories, poetry, and more. And these fine folks aren’t afraid of going dark. Besides reading my story (yes please!) you can peruse current and back issues at:

https://www.7thcirclepyrite.com/latest-works

A July to Remember…

In our last few installments, I mentioned that July has been shaping up to be a bit frantic. Please disregard all of my prior statements. This July borders on the abyss. Seven (count ’em, seven!) stories accepted so far this month. There are so many stories going live, I must admit I almost missed The Epsitles of the Horsemen. And that would be a shame, because I would not want you, my fine readers, to miss this dark treat.

That’s it, Lovely Readers! I hope you enjoy this latest bit of dark fiction. Meanwhile, don’t miss any upcoming stories. You can stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/whats-new-in-marcos-world-the-blog/

But whoa there, I forgot to plug a book. Hey, I gotta make a coin or two. Ahem, You say you need a good dose of summer reading? Never fear, Readers, MEF has your back. In fact, how about a great collection of short stories? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Indeed, hot off the presses, Power Tools awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Power Tools

There are moments in life when having the right tool makes all the difference.

An elderly woman sets out alone on a journey into a new life. Two soldiers in a bunker share candy and memories. A widower takes on the Supreme Court with a robot. Grief is sung over the cobbled streets of Valletta. Two old heroes question their purpose. These stories tell tales of love lost and found, of the fight for justice, and the glimmering flame of hope that keeps us afloat. Unforgettable characters push back against the crushing weight of the world and shoulder the burdens they carry within. Love, laugh, dance, weep; these are the stories of Power Tools.

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About the Book

Marco Etheridge is a writer of fiction, an occasional playwright, and a part-time poet. He lives and writes in Vienna, Austria. His stories have been published in more than eighty reviews, journals, and magazines in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA. Power Tools gathers twenty-one of his best short stories into one collection. An elderly woman sets out alone on a journey into a new life. Two soldiers in a bunker share candy and memories. A widower takes on the Supreme Court with a robot. Grief is sung over the cobbled streets of Valletta. Two old heroes question their purpose. These stories tell tales of love lost and found, of the fight for justice, and the glimmering flame of hope that keeps us afloat. Unforgettable characters push back against the crushing weight of the world and shoulder the burdens they carry within. Love, laugh, dance, weep; these are the stories of Power Tools.

Details

Genre: Literary Fiction
Tag: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction
Publication Year: 2024
ASIN: B0CXMV1HS4
ISBN: 9798884290907
List Price: 11.95
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."

New Romantic Fiction – Molly, Jenks, and Joey

Molly, Jenks, and Joey – New Romantic Fiction. My short story Molly, Jenks, and Joey has just been published by the hard-working editors at October Hill Magazine. Molly, Jenks, and Joey tells the tale of a man struggling to give voice to his desire, a teenage neighbor who struggles with a speech impediment, and a beautiful speech therapist who arrives every Thursday.

Read Molly, Jenks, and Joey NOW!

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to the editors of October Hill Magazine. Molly, Jenks, and Joey is my second written work to be featured in October Hill and I am proud to be a returning contributor. Secondly, October Hill is a great literary magazine, and its summer issue is based on a cool theme: Never Give Up. Grab a dose of literary fun. October Hill is a FREE read! Mash the big button to jump to their website:

Read Molly, Jenks, and Joey

It goes without saying, that everyone loves a good read. There is no doubt that October Hill Magazine is a great mix of stories, poetry, and more. Besides reading my story (yes please!) you can peruse current and back issues at:

https://www.octoberhillmagazine.com/

The Madness Continues…

In our last installment, I mentioned a story in progress, a piece that is a play within a story, and the play is… A Midsummer Night’s Dream. That story is now complete and submitted into the hard, cruel world.

In the meantime, the insanity grows. Pundits reckon July marks the beginning of the sleepy times as editors head to the beaches and forget their slush piles. But Lo! This July is different. Five accepted stories so far, more stories going live, and still thirteen days to go.

That’s it, Lovely Readers! I hope you enjoy this latest bit of dark fiction. Meanwhile, don’t miss any upcoming stories. You can stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/whats-new-in-marcos-world-the-blog/

But wait, what’s that plaintive sound? You say you need a good dose of summer reading? Never fear, Readers, MEF has your back. In fact, how about a great novel? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Indeed, hot off the presses, Breaking the Bundles awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Breaking the Bundles

The Past Can Kill.

Vienna, Austria, a city of palaces, music, and cafés. But behind the cold, grey stone lies a dark secret. Against this backdrop of culture and shadows, the fates of three unforgettable people will be drawn into a common peril. As the lives of the characters cross, revenge shifts to passion, betrayal becomes an act of honor, and the past exacts a heavy toll from the present. The secrets of the past threaten the lives of those that hold them; the same secrets threaten the men who work in the shadows. The weight of the past will pursue Perry and Zita across two continents, threatening their love and their lives. The chase becomes a conflict of revenge and desire, of shadow and light, of love and the struggle to survive.

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About the Book

Vienna, Austria, a city of palaces, music, and cafés. But behind the cold, grey stone lies a dark secret. Against this backdrop of culture and shadows, the fates of three unforgettable people will be drawn into a common peril.

Perry Farmon is an American photographer on sabbatical in Vienna, searching for his lost creative spark. A strange friendship and a mysterious love alter Perry’s quiet world, drawing him into a shared secret. The powers threatened by that secret force Perry into a deadly flight from danger. He must learn trickery and cunning to survive. His life and love hang in the balance.

Zita de Luca is a woman marked by a wine-colored stain on her temple, the shame of her family, and anger. An opportunity for revenge is complicated by an unexpected passion for an American professor. She must choose between the two.

Käru “Charlie” Villiger is a habitué of cafés, either an outrageous liar or a dangerous man. He holds the key to the past, but time is running out. Charlie must pass on what he holds before he is silenced by those he has betrayed. He must choose someone else to carry the burden.

As the lives of the characters cross, revenge shifts to passion, betrayal becomes an act of honor, and the past exacts a heavy toll from the present. The secrets of the past threaten the lives of those that hold them; the same secrets threaten the men who work in the shadows. The weight of the past will pursue Perry and Zita across two continents, threatening their love and their lives. The chase becomes a conflict of revenge and desire, of shadow and light, of love and the struggle to survive.

Details

Genres: Conspiracy, Thriller
Tags: Recommended Books, Thriller
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction
Publication Year: 2019
Format: eBook and Print
Length: Novel
ASIN: B07XJNM6GL
ISBN: 1072447398
Rating:

List Price: 14.95
eBook Price: 4.95

Order Now

Koko, Apple, Nook, and More!

Preview

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."

The Interview – New Dark Fiction from The First Line

The Interview – New Dark Fiction. My short story The Interview has just been published by the good folks at The First Line Literary Journal. The Interview tells the tale of an imprisoned professor and his interrogator. The genre is literary fiction. Grab your copy of Volume 26, Issue 2 today!

Read The Interview NOW!

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude to the editors of The First Line. The Interview is my second written work to be featured in The First Line and I am proud to be a return contributor. Secondly, The First Line is a great literary magazine with an interesting premise. Each story in the magazine begins with a given opening sentence. Hence, The First Line. All submissions must begin with the same first sentence. Grab a dose of literary fun. Order your copy of The First Line today! Mash the big button to jump to their website:

Read The Interview

Naturally, everyone loves a good read. There is no doubt that The First Line is a quirky mix, an entire issue where every story begins with the same sentence. It’s great fun to see what wildly different stories a single sentence may inspire. You can peruse current and back issues at:

https://www.thefirstline.com/

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Which is both a segue and a clue. To illustrate: First, the segue: Things are nuts here at MEF, as in a silly dream. Secondly, the clue: the latest story in the works is a play within a story, and the play is… you guessed it! The Bard himself.

The virtual mail is piling up on the doorstep: Rejections, acceptances, publishing notices. Not to mention the impending release of the latest issue of Hotch Potch. Too many hats to wear, and too many irons in the fire. But Lo! We love the madness, don’t we? Makes one feel all alive and tingly.

That’s it, Lovely Readers! I hope you enjoy this latest bit of dark fiction. Meanwhile, don’t miss any upcoming stories. You can stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/whats-new-in-marcos-world-the-blog/

But wait, what’s that plaintive sound? You say you need a good dose of summer reading? Never fear, Readers, MEF has your back. In fact, how about a great novel? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Indeed, hot off the presses, Breaking the Bundles awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Breaking the Bundles

The Past Can Kill.

Vienna, Austria, a city of palaces, music, and cafés. But behind the cold, grey stone lies a dark secret. Against this backdrop of culture and shadows, the fates of three unforgettable people will be drawn into a common peril. As the lives of the characters cross, revenge shifts to passion, betrayal becomes an act of honor, and the past exacts a heavy toll from the present. The secrets of the past threaten the lives of those that hold them; the same secrets threaten the men who work in the shadows. The weight of the past will pursue Perry and Zita across two continents, threatening their love and their lives. The chase becomes a conflict of revenge and desire, of shadow and light, of love and the struggle to survive.

Order Now!

About the Book

Vienna, Austria, a city of palaces, music, and cafés. But behind the cold, grey stone lies a dark secret. Against this backdrop of culture and shadows, the fates of three unforgettable people will be drawn into a common peril.

Perry Farmon is an American photographer on sabbatical in Vienna, searching for his lost creative spark. A strange friendship and a mysterious love alter Perry’s quiet world, drawing him into a shared secret. The powers threatened by that secret force Perry into a deadly flight from danger. He must learn trickery and cunning to survive. His life and love hang in the balance.

Zita de Luca is a woman marked by a wine-colored stain on her temple, the shame of her family, and anger. An opportunity for revenge is complicated by an unexpected passion for an American professor. She must choose between the two.

Käru “Charlie” Villiger is a habitué of cafés, either an outrageous liar or a dangerous man. He holds the key to the past, but time is running out. Charlie must pass on what he holds before he is silenced by those he has betrayed. He must choose someone else to carry the burden.

As the lives of the characters cross, revenge shifts to passion, betrayal becomes an act of honor, and the past exacts a heavy toll from the present. The secrets of the past threaten the lives of those that hold them; the same secrets threaten the men who work in the shadows. The weight of the past will pursue Perry and Zita across two continents, threatening their love and their lives. The chase becomes a conflict of revenge and desire, of shadow and light, of love and the struggle to survive.

Details

Genres: Conspiracy, Thriller
Tags: Recommended Books, Thriller
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction
Publication Year: 2019
Format: eBook and Print
Length: Novel
ASIN: B07XJNM6GL
ISBN: 1072447398
Rating:

List Price: 14.95
eBook Price: 4.95

Order Now

Koko, Apple, Nook, and More!

Preview

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."

A Tinker’s Bargain

A Tinker’s Bargain – New Magical Realism

New Magical Realism – A Tinker’s Bargain! My latest short story, A Tinker’s Bargain, has just been published by D’LitReview! A Tinker’s Bargain tells the tale of two itinerant story peddlers, village children, and a pair of mules named Hotch and Potch. The genre is magical realism.

Read A Tinker’s Bargain Now!

First up, I want to throw down a huge shoutout to the editors of D’LitReview. Thank you for having faith in my story. Secondly, Friends and Neighbors, let me say that D’LitReview is a great online ‘Zine. Show your support for these hard-working editors (and Indie Writers) by giving them a try. Finally, my story A Tinker’s Bargain is a FREE online read. Just mash the big orange READ button. Grab a dose of literary goodness by giving my story A Tinker’s Bargain a try. Let’s get to reading!!

Read A Tinker’s Bargain

Indeed, everyone loves a FREE read. There is no doubt that D’LitReview is a great mix of literary treats and more. Of course, please read my story, but more fun is on offer. As well as A Tinker’s Bargain, you can peruse their lineup at:

https://dlitreview.com/

Strange July…

Sadly, Independence Day has come and gone in the USA. I hope everyone on the far side of the pond enjoyed their celebration. It may be the last Fourth of July any of us celebrate as independent citizens.

However, setting dire political prognostication aside, there is a heap of buzz here in the tawdry MEF garrett. July started with a bang, a ringing of bells, and joyous caperings. Firstly, Wonder of Wonders: Two accepted stories on the very first day of the month, and more since then. Therefore, look for a whole passel of stories going live in July.

That’s it, Lovely Readers! I hope you enjoy this latest bit of magical realism. Meanwhile, don’t miss any upcoming stories. You can stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/whats-new-in-marcos-world-the-blog/

Summer Reading…

I gaze into my MEF crystal ball and picture you kicking back in your lawn chair, a nice coating of sweat on your warm skin, and a cold beverage at hand. All is as it should be, yes? But what’s this? You realize you don’t have a book. Never fear, Readers, MEF has your back. In fact, how about a great collection of flash fiction? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Indeed, hot off the presses, Broken Luggage awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Broken Luggage Collected Flash Fiction

Broken Luggage: Two dozen flash fiction tales of love lost and love found, of darkness at the end of life, and light at the beginning.

A man's life condensed into the broken luggage that will contain it. A young woman alone in the Sonoran Desert. Memories of dangerous eggs, thunderstorms, and a gunshot man. A character tours his self-made hell. Another steps from between the pages. Parables of sand and migration A labyrinth into new love, and the remembrance of love past. These two dozen flash stories tell swift tales of love lost and love found, of darkness at the end of life, and light at the beginning.

Order Now!

About the Book

Marco Etheridge is a writer of fiction, an occasional playwright, and a part-time poet. He lives and writes in Vienna, Austria. His stories have been published in reviews, journals, and magazines in Canada, Australia, the UK, and the USA. Broken Luggage gathers twenty-four of his best flash stories into one collection. A man’s life condensed into the broken luggage that will contain it. A young woman alone in the Sonoran Desert. Memories of dangerous eggs, thunderstorms, and a gunshot man. A character tours his self-made hell. Another steps from between the pages. Parables of sand and migration A labyrinth into new love, and the remembrance of love past. These two dozen flash stories tell swift tales of love lost and love found, of darkness at the end of life, and light at the beginning. Unforgettable characters struggle against the tides and pressures of an impersonal world, and against the burdens they carry within. There is joy and despair, defiance and acceptance. The inhabitants of these pages learn who they are, and sometimes, who they are not. Welcome, Reader, to the world of Broken Luggage.

Details

Genre: Short Stories
Tags: Recommended Books, Short Stories
Publisher: Marco Etheridge Fiction
Publication Year: 2022
Format: Paperback & eBook
Length: 137 Pages
ASIN: B0B3CSJR2C
ISBN: 9798833773079
List Price: $8.95
eBook Price: $2.99

Order Now

Kobo, Nook, Apple, and More!

Preview

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."