Marco Etheridge Fiction

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Smackdown – Vibrant New Nonfiction

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New Nonfiction

Smackdown – Vibrant New Nonfiction

Smackdown – vibrant new nonfiction. My short nonfiction story Smackdown has just been published by the fine folks at Witcraft. Smackdown tells the tale of a young boy, his push scooter, and a treacherous set of gates. The genre is literary nonfiction.

Read the Story Now!

Firstly, Friends and Neighbors, I’m here to tell you that Witcraft is a fun and funny online ‘Zine. Secondly, you can show your support for these hard-working editors (and Indie Writers) by giving them a try. Finally, if that isn’t enough to entice you, my story Smackdown is a FREE online read. That means you can spread the Lit-Love without forking over a dime. How about that? Grab a dose of reading by giving my story Smackdown a try. Just mash the big button:

Read Smackdown

Sure, everyone loves a FREE read. Without a doubt, Witcraft is chock-a-block with other literary treats. Their tagline says it all: Because not everything has to be serious. It goes without saying that I want you to read my story, but there’s lots more fun on offer. You can peruse their lineup at:

https://witcraft.org/

Theoretically Summer…

Here I am, only seventeen days from the Summer Solstice and not a drop of summer in sight. So it goes here in Northern Yurp. Nevertheless, cool weather does not stop the writing, and stories emerge from the drippy clouds. At the same time, submissions are going out, and replies rolling in. I harvest the usual bumper crop of rejections along with a few acceptances. With that in mind, look for more stories coming your way. Lots more stories! At least two more accepted stories are scheduled to go live this month. With any luck, summer heat will go live as well. Here’s to hoping.

That’s it, Lovely Readers! Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this latest story. Additionally, you can stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

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

How About a New Collection of Stories?

Speaking of summer, what about your summer reading needs? As a matter of fact, we’ve got your back on this one. How about a brand-new collection of 21 great short stories? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Indeed, hot off the presses, Power Tools awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Power Tools

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.

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 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
Order Now
Apple Books, Kobo, and more!
Buy from Amazon
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."

Kandlelite Klub – Enthralling New Short Fiction

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New Literary Fiction

Kandlelite Klub – Enthralling New Short Fiction

Kandlelite Klub – Enthralling new short fiction! My short story Kandlelite Klub has just been published by the fine folks at The Bookends Review. Kandlelite Klub tells the story of a young runaway washing dishes in an Oklahoma roadhouse. The genre is literary fiction with a healthy dose of memoir.

Read the Story Now!

Firstly, Friends and Neighbors, I’m here to tell you that The Bookends Review is one great online ‘Zine. Secondly, you can show your support for these hard-working editors (and Indie Writers) by giving them a read. Finally, if that isn’t enough to entice you, Kandlelite Klub is a FREE online read. That means you can spread the Lit-Love without forking over a dime. How about that? Grab a dose of reading by giving my story Kandlelite Klub a try. Just mash the big button:

Read Kandlelite Klub

Sure, everyone loves a FREE read. Without a doubt, The Bookends Review is chock-a-block with other literary treats. It goes without saying that I want you to read my story, but there’s lots more on offer. You can peruse their lineup at:

http://thebookendsreview.com/

Back in the Saddle Again…

Here I am, two months after a four-month walkabout in SE Asia. Nevertheless, as the culture shock fades a bit, stories emerge from the chaos. At the same time, submissions are sent, and replies roll in. I’m collecting the usual crop of rejections spiced with a few acceptances. With that in mind, look for more stories coming your way. Lots more stories! I’m still banging away at the keyboard here in the MEF garrett. Wish me luck!

That’s it, My Lovelies! Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this latest story. Additionally, you can stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

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

How About a Whole Collection of Stories?

As a matter of fact, we’ve got your back on this one. How about a brand-new collection of 21 great short stories? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Indeed, hot off the presses, Power Tools awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Power Tools

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.

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 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
Order Now
Apple Books, Kobo, and more!
Buy from Amazon
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."

Power Tools

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A New Collection of Short Stories

Power Tools – A New Collection of Short Stories

Here I am, friends and neighbors, just back from a four-month walkabout and ready to tout my newest book: Power Tools. This is a fine new collection of short stories, twenty-one in all. Sometimes you just have to reach for the tagline, and here it is: There are moments in life when having the right tool makes all the difference.

Power Tools: 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.

Kudos…

Everyone needs a bit of recognition now and then, even a lowly short story. The title story of this collection grabbed the spotlight as a solo act (Hint: Power Tools). This hard-hitting story received a nomination for a Pushcart Prize as well as for a Best of the Web. W00T!

Here’s the Pitch…

I hear you asking: why should I buy your book? Why buy books at all? Luckily for us, I’ve got a smart-ass answer. Reading books places you in a very elite category. You see, reading is in decline these days. If you read more than two books in 2023, you’re in the top half of U.S. adults. There you have it, sports fans. Buy books (hopefully mine) and then read the books you purchased. Do that, and you can claim your elite status. Bully for you and good for Indie authors like me.

If you want to learn more about the dismal state of reading in the USA, here you go:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/01/05/how-many-books-did-you-read-2023-see-how-you-stack-up/

The Wrap and Call to Action:

This is the point where I close with my Call to Action. Click Now! Do It! Whatever. Truth is, I’d be thrilled if you gave my collection of stories a go. If you do decide to purchase a copy (Paperback or eBook!), I truly hope you enjoy the stories. Connecting with a reader is the biggest payback I can receive. Dog knows I’m not getting rich on royalties.

Okay, right, back to the pitch: Buy My Book Right Now! Please! Here’s the link:

https://www.marcoetheridgefiction.com/books/power-tools/

If you’re not a link person, here is the actual book page:

Power Tools

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.

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 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
Order Now
Apple Books, Kobo, and more!
Buy from Amazon
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."

Pitfall

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New Psychological Horror

Pitfall – New Psychological Horror

The first published story after the long sabbatical is… Pitfall. My short story Pitfall has just been published in Grim & Gilded Issue 19. Pitfall tells the tale of a woman on a solo hike, a deadly trap, and her attempt to escape the trap. This story is literary fiction smacking headlong into psychological horror, and it’s a FREE read!

Read the Story Now!

Grim & Gilded is a great online ‘Zine. They love Horror, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, all of your favorite genres. Show your love for these hard-working editors (and Indie Writers) by giving them a read. Grim & Gilded Issue 19 is a FREE online read, so you can spread the Lit-Love without forking over a dime. How about that? Grab a dose of creepy by giving my story Pitfall a read. Just mash the big button:

Read Pitfall

But wait! There’s still more. Grim & Gilded is chock-full of genre delights. Sure, I want you to read my story, but there’s lots more on offer. Check out the whole Grim & Gilded lineup at:

https://www.grimandgilded.com/issue-nineteen-1

The Daze of Return…

I’m just back from a four-month walkabout in SE Asia. You might think I’d earned a cushioned reentry, but No! Things here at the MEF lair have gone nuts. New stories going out, acceptances (and rejections) pouring in, and no rest for the wicked. Look for more stories coming your way. Lots more stories! Stories wait for no author, the crafty little buggers.

That’s it, My Lovelies! Travel blog stuff is on the horizon. Stay tuned for all the latest by following the MEF blog:

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

Since I’m Back…

How about a brand-new collection of 21 great short stories? That’s right, folks, it’s here! Hot off the presses Power Tools awaits your hungry reader eyes:

Power Tools

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.

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 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
Order Now
Apple Books, Kobo, and more!
Buy from Amazon
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 Return

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Four Months, Five Countries

The Return: “Well, I’m Back…”

And here I find myself at the return. “Well, I’m back…” The last words of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and my current state of being. I am back from a journey of more than four months, five countries, and thirty thousand kilometers. The world has not ended. Vienna is still here. In the famous words of Buckaroo Banzai, “No matter where you go, there you are.”

Thailand

Bangkok, the gateway to Southeast Asia, and my second city. Then followed three weeks of crossing old paths and forging new ones. Things have changed in The Kingdom. The military runs the Land of Smiles, only partially hidden behind the image of the new king. Cannabis is legal. Pot shops are everywhere. But the charm of the Thai people is still alive, strong and welcoming. So it goes.

The Philippines

To fly into Manila is to enter the beast. I am no stranger to chaotic Asian cities, but Manila is a new game, and a tough one. There is charm to be found, but the search will not be easy. Dirty, loud, and poor, Manila is a challenge. The rest of Luzon is a retreat from the madness of the capitol city. Life is slow here, as slow as the buses. You will find many ways to eat pig. Many.

Singapore

There are ways to travel from Manila to Jakarta, Indonesia, but none of them are easy. So it was off to Singapore and a strange detour from reality. Singapore is as real as Disneyland, just as clean, and has more security cameras. Everything functions perfectly. Too perfectly. Remember Shrek and Donkey entering Duloc? That’s what I’m talking about. Be sure not to offend anyone’s morals. There are posters to remind you of this. However unreal, the food is great, Little India is a blast, and the transit system is one of the best in the world. Singapore: rest, recharge, regroup, then head on.

Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest country made up solely of islands. 17,508 islands at last count. One does not visit Indonesia, not on a thirty-day visa. You pick a couple of islands and let the games begin. For most tourists, that means Bali and the Gilis. The Indonesian folks have a saying: “Bali is Bali.” as on not a real part of Indonesia. Instead of the Bali bars, we headed out into the wilds of Java and Sumatra. Hot, humid, full of great food, and often devoid of Westerners. In fact, once we hit Sumatra, we did not see a single Western tourist, backpacker, or ex-pat for more than two weeks. If you want to travel slowly and alone, Sumatra is your spot.

Malaysia

Welcome to everything is easy. Malaysia has an advanced infrastructure, which means travel by rail, bus, and ferry is easier than in almost any other Southeast Asian country. The food is fantastic, and folks are off-the-chart friendly. My first time in Malaysia will not be my last. Big city happenings in Kuala Lumpur, highland trekking in the Cameron Highlands. Provincial towns featuring foodie paradise and no tourists. Island tourist enclaves like Georgetown and Langkawi, well-traveled, but still fun. A bonus: Malaysia gives most Westerners a 90-day visa stamp on arrival. W00T!

Thailand Redeux

Closing the loop back to southern Thailand. Hat Yai, and Surat Thani, hidden gems that slip through the fingers of most tourists. Food fests and very hot days. We’re moving slowly, savoring the last few weeks. Jungle camps, bird watching, a lazy five days at a quiet beach. Inching north, back to the Big Mango. That last night, one more glorious pig-out at a night market. The long flight home, and the first shock of Northern Europe’s coldness.

Well, I’m Back…

Things to do, stories to write, a ream of notes to catch up on. Busy, busy, busy little Bokononist. More to come, My Lovelies. There are published stories to catch up on, a new collection of short stories, and so much more. Stay tuned to the MEF blog for more silly stuff…

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

Thailand in Transition

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The changing Kingdom

I have written about Thailand ever since my first trip back in 2011. A dozen years have passed and yet I never get bored with the Land of Smiles. If you haven’t been to the Kingdom, what are you waiting for? The food is still amazing, and the people love to laugh. Thailand is one of the best bargain travel destinations on this fine planet. But enticing you to travel is not the purpose of this post. If you’re a newbie to the idea of SE Asia, try on of my earlier blog posts. There are plenty to choose from:

https://newland-newtale.blogspot.co.at/

The topic of this travel post is change. Here I sit in Manila hotel room, looking back at the last three weeks in Thailand. Let me tell you, fellow travelers, there have been some big changes in the Kingdom since my last long trip in 2016.

I know what you’re thinking. No land is a time capsule, just like no person is a small landmass surrounded entirely by water. And yet, there were a very few thing about my favorite country that I believed to be timeless. Let me tell you just how wrong I was.

Whether if be the Chiang Mai night market, village day market, or the giant Chatuchak market in Bangkok, the market women trusted in one thing and one thing only: cash. Baht on the barrel head, Baby. All else can take a long scooter ride. I never in my wildest imaginings thought this would change. Market women and cash were the fundamental underpinnings of commerce in Thailand.

Enter the COVID pandemic. Thailand shut down to tourism, which took a healthy bite out of the economy. Touchless payment became the new preferred norm across the globe. Enduring a series of lockdowns, the Thai people struggled just like everyone else. A new instant payment system rose from the ruins of the tourist economy.

A strange new creature sprouted from market stall tables and pick-a-pot food stands, a QR code atop a spindly plastic stem. The proprietress names her price for your bag of vege or you bowl of boat noodles. The patron scans the QR code, which brings up the payment account. Enter the amount, hit the button, then show the screen to the market auntie. A polite “khap” on both ends of the bargain, and the deal is done.

About the only folks still using cash are the poor farangs like me. I saw Thai folks paying for Moto-taxi rides without using cash, a thing both impossible and unthinkable in 2016. 

There are more changes to talk about, but they will have to wait until the next post. Meanwhile, there are still new stories coming out, even if I am halfway around the globe. Catch up on all the news at the MEF blog:

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

More to come, My Lovelies, more to come. Four months of travel for this epic adventure. Talk soon!

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