May 21, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Literary Fiction
Type of Story: Novella
Summary: Lame Ducks is a meditative noir about two inhabitants of Los Angeles who form a bond in the midst of political intrigue. Simon Johns is a reporter for a newspaper whose publisher is in cahoots with the corrupt Speaker of California’s State Assembly, and Casper Benton is the reclusive scion of a tabloid-magnet Hollywood family. The speaker is trying to privatize the state’s water supply and has the opposition party governor cornered without the option of a veto. Despite the different social strata the two protagonists inhabit, chance (and their shared feelings of alienation and ennui) brings them together to plot against the speaker and his powerful cronies. As their camaraderie builds, so does the tension in this atmospheric thriller.
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May 17, 2013
by Jason Varrone
This is an interview with well-known author Theresa Weir.
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May 13, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Here is a post I did some time ago for the Short Fiction Writers Guild. Enjoy!
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May 9, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 2 STARS
Genre: Suspense
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: Canan Jones turns twenty-five and wants nothing more than to bury his painful past and enjoy his birthday celebrations. But when Canan receives an intimidating phone call from a man who knows his secret demanding he work for an underground government agency in Sydney, Canan fears his skill will be exploited. Canan has the ability to tune into the emotions of other people and his skill increases in strength daily. Initially refusing to accept the job offer, Canan realises it may be the only chance he has to obtain answers to his past. To what lengths will Canan go to to piece together the fragments of his traumatic childhood?
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Posted in Genre: Suspense, Review: 2 Stars |
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May 6, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Science Fiction
Type of Collection: Flash Fiction
Summary: During November December House ran something called Flash Fiction Fest which saw three of our authors publish a new piece of Flash Fiction every day at www.FlashFictionFest.com. “We Are Now” is the e-book of Flash Fiction Fest and includes all of the pieces from Flash Fiction Fest and a number of additional pieces written in response to feedback received as we published the pieces online. It’s available now from the major e-book distribution platforms including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple, Kobo and Google.
With many of its stories set in the future the collection has a light science fiction feel yet covers many genres and has at its heart humanity. In total the 69 pieces show that we are all human regardless of technology, time or place.
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Posted in Featured Collection, Genre: Science Fiction |
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May 1, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Western
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: A man hell-bent on avenging his daughter’s death chases the Devil himself across time and space. Finding himself trapped in the old wild west, trouble is never too far away. But when you’re Sheriff Jack hunting the Devil, a little trouble always makes good practice.
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April 24, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 3 STARS
Genre: Horror
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: The Dramatist was once the site of a great tragedy. A fire in 1937 transformed the theatre into a burnt out shell that stood on the edge of town. Soon, there were stories of ghosts and strange disappearances. Now, the Dramatist has been renovated and reopened for a new generation. During a snowstorm, Wendell Marcum finds himself trapped in the theatre alone. But is he truly alone? As the night continues, Wendell will discover the sinister evil that dwells inside the Dramatist theatre and a darkness that’s long waited for an encore!
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Posted in Genre: Horror, Review: 3 Stars |
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April 17, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 2 STARS
Genre: Literary Fiction
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: Three college friends reunite on the Outer Banks for a fishing trip and partying. Tom is the type-A control freak fishing maven; Wendell is the unmarried romantic dreamer; and Kade is the rich womanizing fast-food chain owner. They are going on a pro guide-led afternoon expedition for stripers in Pamlico Sound. All may seem fine to start, but Kade is a bit unhinged and doesn’t like pelicans; the guide, Ben, is high-strung; and Tom has something he doesn’t want to talk about. Wendell observes everything and tries to enjoy himself. But he also knows that Kade brought a gun on-board.
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Posted in Genre: Literary Fiction, Review: 2 Stars |
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April 10, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Fantasy
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: The Company is all that stands between America and the supernatural powers who would abuse it. The agent known as Mr. Sunshine, a dour creature born of magic and error, is the Company’s last line of defence. He works alone, for he has little love for the men who employ him. They rely on him to infiltrate their enemy’s strongholds and fight the worst of the shadows, but they live in fear that he will one day turn on them. ‘Mr. Sunshine’ is a collection of four short stories about a war in the shadows where the solution is far more frightening than the enemy. ’Mr. Sunshine’ can be purchased as part of ‘The Origami Dragon and Other Tales’ collection.
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April 3, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Horror
Type of Story: Novella
Summary: What would you do to save your friend? What if that friend lived 100 years ago? Peter Seth has unusual visions that make him a loner in his town. While on summer vacation, he meets and befriends Oliver, a boy with the same unusual ability. Their friendship is short-lived, however, because Oliver’s life ended tragically 100 years ago. How can Peter tell his new friend that he’s about to die? How will telling Oliver impact Peter and his family? Can Peter live with himself if he does nothing?
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March 27, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 3 STARS
Genre: Horror
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: Can you gamble with Fate? As a young nobleman, Sinjon escapes the Reign of Terror in 18th century France to find himself dragged into an even worse fate–a hellish underworld wherein he is put on trial by a demon tribunal for crimes he never committed. Can he answer their riddles and thwart his fate, one worse than the guillotine?
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Posted in Genre: Horror, Review: 3 Stars |
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March 20, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 2 STARS
Genre: Young Adult
Type of Story: Novelette
Summary: Timmy can’t seem to get a break. First, his parents are destroying their marriage and are quite happy to use him in that process. Second, he’s got a monster under his bed, stuck there as a result of him losing a story duel with Joshua. Unfortunately Joshua doesn’t want to waste time anymore with someone incapable of creating an utterly terrifying virtualized story. Timmy isn’t worthy. Or is he?
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Posted in Genre: Young Adult, Review: 2 Stars |
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March 12, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Horror
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: In this “don’t go in the woodshed”-style short horror story, a young couple get off the beaten track in search of a bite to eat, and find a horrific meal…
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March 8, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 3 STARS
Genre: Science Fiction
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: Steven has some serious trust issues and has done some serious drinking at the bar. Emily, his girlfriend, has unknown whereabouts and won’t respond to any of Steven’s alcohol-fueled and accusatory texts. George Packard, an ex-government engineer and fellow bar patron, claims to have the solution: a machine that promises to link the couple in a permanent, unconventional way.
Steven isn’t sure that Emily will agree to his selfish designs. Though, if they truly are soul mates, Steven’s sure he’s allowed to take some liberties…
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Posted in Genre: Science Fiction, Review: 3 Stars |
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March 2, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Humor
Type of Collection: Short Story
Summary: A kindly organ grinder and his performing monkey adopt a young boy after his father spontaneously combusts; a barber living inside a whiskey bottle confronts the neighborhood nuisance who wields a dead squirrel like a pair of nunchucks; and an unruly gang of sock puppets are born in a basement dojo. Welcome to Puppet Shows, thirteen outlandish stories from a writer Tucson Weekly called “a very funny weirdo.”
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March 1, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 4 STARS
Genre: Historical Fiction
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: At the bottom of an old trinket-box lies a misshapen bit of lead—a bullet from the Civil War, an old family keepsake preserved, but mostly forgotten, by later generations. And behind it lies a story—the story of a young girl’s experiences in the days surrounding the fateful battle of Gettysburg, which force her to examine her own heart and show her the face of war in a way she could not have understood before.
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Posted in Genre: Historical Fiction, Review: 4 Stars |
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February 26, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Satire
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: Hilariously funny dark humor and biting satire combine in this short story set on an American TV game-show of the near future.
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Posted in Featured Story, Genre: Satire |
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February 25, 2013
by Jason Varrone
As a writer, I know how difficult it is to find quality Beta Readers willing to provide objective feedback on my manuscripts. Most of the time they are friends or family members overly worried about offending me versus offering the truth. Many of the authors I interact with on writer forums and boards report having similar issues.
To that end, I am proud to introduce a new service for short fiction authors: the BETA READING SERVICE.
To find out more about what I offer, rates, and submission guidelines, click the blue link or the Beta Reading Service menu link below the header.
I look forward to working with you and making your manuscripts shine.
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February 22, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 3 STARS
Genre: Fantasy
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: As a young warrior in the elite Kifzo army of his father’s tribe, Tobin lives a life consumed by the relentless training demands of his uncle. Despite his best intentions and hard work, he struggles to cope with his father’s indifference toward him and his brother’s outright hatred.
A chance opportunity may change all of that. Tobin’s father gives him, his brother and three other young Kifzo each a small squad to lead on a key mission. The squad leader who succeeds will be named Warleader and will command the entire tribe’s army. Tobin sees this as his best chance to step out of the shadow of his brother and earn the respect and recognition he’s always desired.
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Posted in Genre: Fantasy, Review: 3 Stars |
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February 19, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Fantasy
Type of Story: Novella
Summary: Jonrell escaped from his previous life, leaving behind an unhappy existence of privilege and responsibility. Two years later, as a captain in the mercenary Hell Patrol, responsibility has found him again, whether building relationships in the chow line or saving lives on the battlefield. After completing their most recent contract, the Hell Patrol is looking forward to a long-deserved rest. But when a former employer conspires against them, many are thrust into new roles, including Jonrell. While on the run for their lives, Jonrell’s skills are put to the test as he reins in the clashing personalities of the surviving Hell Patrol members.
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February 15, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 1 STAR
Genre: Fantasy
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: When a wizard needs some acid from some toads, where does he go? He hires adventurers to go get it for him! Martel and his friends are heading into the Lower Salt Swamp to hunt some Crimson Toads. The pay is good, the job is easy, what could possibly go wrong? Follow them as they head out of the Silver Sword Inn and into adventure.
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Posted in Genre: Fantasy, Review: 1 Star |
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February 12, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Science Fiction
Type of Story: Novelette
Summary: It’s always risky, meeting a strange man for the first time. But not for Joanna O’Donnell. Not in the year 2022. Her auto – a digital assistant – has scoured his history, his entire timeline. Working for a detective agency, Joanna knows how to unearth secrets. Joanna’s auto calculates that her date is 85% compatible with her. At last, she’s found her match! And then, moments before they meet, Joanna’s auto reports there is a 24% chance this man will kill her.
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February 8, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Rating: 3 STARS
Genre: Horror
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: Short story anthology. Ten stories; mixed genres. How do you react when meeting someone who claims to have caused the end of mankind? Is there a non-violent, non-legalistic method of dealing with anti-social behaviour? Would you follow to a rooftop a girl who has convinced you she can fly? Where do people with obsessions end up? (Better hope it’s not The Obsessives’ Club.) Would you dive into a pond that may alter you fundamentally and irretrievably? There are stories here that present possible answers to these questions. Throw in a ghost story, the tale of a minor incident that may have affected the outcome of World War II, a deadly infatuation, a condemned prisoner who’s convinced that she’s Dorothy Gale, and a daring but brutal escape from a Siberian prison camp, and there should be something here to satisfy most tastes.
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Posted in Genre: Horror, Review: 3 Stars |
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February 5, 2013
by Jason Varrone
Genre: Romance
Type of Story: Short Story
Summary: The Last Blind Date is a romantic short story. When Kristen’s best friend Judy insists on fixing her up with an endless series of terminal losers, Kristen extracts a promise from her friend that tonight will the last, the very last blind date she goes on. And she is sticking to that promise, until she meets Bill. Is Bill another big check mark in the No Way, No How column, or could he really be – the one?
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