Both Abby and I are extremely excited to have a novel in Storybundle’s current offering: Sorcery & Steam!

This pay-what-you-want Storybundle goes away after a limited time and features four books exclusive to the bundle! Find out more at:  https://storybundle.com/fantasy

In order to participate in one of these bundles, however, an author has to promise to reveal one of their deepest, darkest secrets (not really).

Instead, several authors have opened up their “Classified” files and divulged information about their stories that has heretofore been kept strictly confidential (okay, I might be slightly overexaggerating).

Abby has ordered me to stay mum about her origins.

I have grudgingly given into her demands, especially since she provided another story–one that is absolutely, positively true (in fact, it happened just last night).

Read on to find out more!

Intruder Alert!!

Picture a cabin in the woods, doors wide open to catch the evening breeze (screens in place, of course).

Add in several residents–mostly female–of varying ages (all over 35, most over 50), all indulging in various modes of relaxation (reading, tv, games).

And watching over all, eyes keen as razors, nose sharp as aged cheese, One Small Dog.

The sound of a screen door sliding open rudely interrupts this idyllic scene.

It takes but a moment for the protagonist (not a hero) to realize there’s no one that SHOULD be opening that screen.

She’s out of her seat in a flash.

Small Dog is on the job.

The two collide in the middle of a mad dash and Small Dog squiggles out the door.

Protagonist shouts and yells to dissuade what is likely an enormous hairy beast.

Aka Black Bear.

Supporting Actress is also on her feet.

Protag yells at her to go around while Protag slides the door the rest of the way open.

Supporting Actress goes through garage.

Trapping the intruder between them.

Small Dog lights up the neighborhood with his barks, warning Black Bear the intrusion has been duly noted.

Protag and Supporting Actress shake in their boots. Small Dog has no chance against Black Bear.

“Intruder Alert” cries change to “Get back here, little munchkin!”

Protag sees a small furry shape in the neighbor’s porch light.

A cub?

Before she can react, the shape spins and hurtles toward her, catching the light in a full frontal attack.

Legs spread as though flying, mouth open wide, teeth glinting…

Not a bear.

A raccoon.

A very angry raccoon!

Coming straight at her.

“Get back here,” changes to “No, go away!”

Hands clapping.

More yelling.

Small Dog stops outside the door, confused.

Angry Flying Raccoon changed direction midair, skittering over the fence and into the darkness beyond.

Leaving cabin residents with a new story to tell.

While Small Dog watches over them all!