Novels begin in many different ways, drawing their “motive energy” or “visions of ultimate coolness” from varied sources. Which is a high-falutin’ way of saying that there is no one right way in which to begin a story. It can … Continue reading
Tag Archives: strong women characters
Back in the 1990s, when themed anthologies were all the rage, I heard about one that was right up my alley and open to submission: Ancient Enchantresses, to be edited by Kathleen M. Massie-Ferch and Martin H. Greenberg for DAW. The editors … Continue reading
Across genres, we accept the importance of bonds between brothers; I would argue that in speculative fiction, at least, we give less weight to the loyalty and emotional intimacy between sisters. This may be due to the domestic setting for … Continue reading
Pearls of Fire, Dreams of Steel by Deborah J. Ross A magical pearl turns a young girl into warrior without pity… A dragon bound to an amulet of amber seeks the aid of a forest wizard… A bitter, crippled fairy … Continue reading
Azkhantian Tales by Deborah J. Ross Linned Ar-Veddris arrived home with an Azkhantian horde thundering at her heels. She had spotted their camp just before twilight from the slopes leading to the Plain of Thirst. She’d planned on camping at … Continue reading
Tajji, our elderly German Shepherd Dog, came to live with us a little over a year ago when she retired from seeing eye guide dog work. She learned new behaviors in the process of “being just a dog.” Her behavior … Continue reading
Northlight by Deborah J. Ross The people who’d been waiting gathered around Pateros, their voices like the cries of rock-doves. They surrounded him, touching his sleeve and shaking his hand, each one in turn. Then they backed off, lingering. … Continue reading
Transfusion And Other Tales of Hope by Deborah J. Ross The vampire has known only evil since he was made, until an unlikely friendship reconnects him with life… Two women mourning two dead mothers tread the boundaries between grief and … Continue reading
Jaydium by Deborah J. Ross Some time later, she woke again. Her skin was slick and icy, her first reaction one of relief to be feeling something again, even if it was unpleasant. After a few moments, she noticed the … Continue reading
The Spirit Arrow from Azkhantian Tales by Deborah J. Ross The rising sun, sullen and gray, cast eerie shadows across the Azkhantian badlands. To the north, jagged hills slashed through the haze. An old woman sat on a solitary crag … Continue reading