*Drumroll, please* Announcing a new…

story in a flash fiction anthology!

Smokey Portents by Tracey Byrnes in the Bolts of Fiction flash fiction anthology

Yes, you read that correctly. Bolts of Fiction is a flash fiction anthology featuring seventy-seven never-before-published stories written to a series of prompts. This is a multi-author, multi-genre book. You can check out the prompts, process, and authors by visiting the publisher’s page.

I’m delighted that my story “Smoky Portents” was selected for inclusion. I’m even more excited that the release date is only days away—June 15, 2024, to be precise—although you can preorder it now.

For the curious, June 15 is National UK Flash Fiction Day. 😉

If you want to preorder Bolts of Fiction (or order it on/after release day) without going to the publisher’s site for more information, click here to go to your country’s Amazon store. For those who have trouble with that type of link, here’s the direct URL to it on Amazon (dot) com.

Happy reading!

Love books? Want to meet authors?

promo image for RAVE 2023 - Readers & Authors Vegas Event

Then you’ll be stoked to hear about all the fun happening at RAVE—Readers & Authors Vegas Event.

What: Book sale and signing event

Where: Horseshoe Convention Center, Las Vegas

When: November 10, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Cost of Entry: FREE!

Three hundred authors across a broad array of genres will be there with books available for purchase and signing. In addition, there will be raffles and giveaways, photo opportunities, live readings in partnership with the uber-talented Soundbooth Theater team, and more fun happenings throughout the day.

For more information, please join the Readers & Authors Vegas Event Facebook group.

Want to know if your favorite author(s) will be there? Check this graphic.

graphic list of attending and signing at RAVE 2023 - Readers & Authors Vegas Event

Hot off the presses, here’s the list of live readings on tap.

graphic list of live readings at RAVE—Readers & Authors Vegas Event in partnership with Soundbooth Theater

Some FAQs about RAVE—Readers & Authors Vegas Event

Which authors are attending?

See the graphic list of attending authors above.

Can I bring my own books to be signed?

Absolutely!

Will personalization be possible, or are all books pre-signed?

Yes, books can be personalized.

Will I be able to buy books at the event?

Yes, the authors will have books for sale too. But of course, they can’t bring an unlimited supply, so if there is a particular book you would like, perhaps contact the author in advance to order it.

Can I take photos/get a selfie with the author?

Mostly yes, but keep in mind it is up to each author to decide what they are comfortable with.

How much will books cost?

Each author sets their own prices and some will have special show prices. Contact your author to see if they will be running specials. All sales will be subject to Nevada sales tax.

Is there parking available nearby?

There is parking at the hotel (the parking garage is between Horseshoe and Paris hotels). Self-parking is free for anyone with a Caesars Rewards card at the Platinum, Diamond, or Seven Stars level. For those of us not a member, self-parking is $15 for three hours or you can expect to pay $18 at the daily rate. Additional information and directions to access the parking garages can be found here https://gamboool.com/ballys-las-vegas-parking-garage…

Will there be food available at the event?

Food is not permitted within Horseshoe’s Convention Center where the event is being held, but the hotel’s food court is at the entrance to the convention center if you’d like to grab a quick bite before or after the book signing event. Horseshoe is centrally located on the Strip and among some of the best restaurants in the world, so good food is close by.

I’m an author—how do I sign up to participate?

All authors attending are also registered attendees of the 20Books Vegas Author Conference (a 20Booksto50k® education and networking event). You can learn more about the event and register for the conference here https://20booksvegas.com/

Note: Per the event organizer, all RAVE table spots are full.

Do I have to wear a mask?

The event will follow all public safety requirements effective in Nevada in November 2023 and in accordance with the Caesars Group policies. At present, this includes no mask mandate, but attendees are encouraged to follow protocols that are safe for them.

Stories of Love and Joy During the Holidays

When did the holidays arrive, and where’s my Christmas spirit? AWOL again? Sheesh. Time to go on a “seek and find” mission, 2020 edition. Might have to wrap that troublemaker in toilet paper this year after I find it. You know, for safekeeping. *grin*

I’m currently engaged in my annual debate about putting up my mini tree: Will? Won’t I? Maybe this year I’ll decide before Christmas Eve. Yeah, I know. Bad elf. *slaps wrist* However, I appreciate the holidays in other ways even without the physical trappings.

Since more holiday cheer is always in style, here’s an offering from some writer elves who want to help make the holidays brighter. I’ve already snagged my copy for some cozy reading breaks over the next few weeks.

The Heart of the Season - An ATA Holiday Anthology | book cover image

The Heart of the Season – An ATA Anthology

THE HEART OF THE SEASON is a jolt of joy you cannot wait to unwrap for the holidays. Let your heart be merry and bright as you dive into this multi-genre collection of short stories centered on the themes of love and joy during the holidays.

Explore a foreign café, wild mountain ranges, big city lights, and homey firesides. Keep turning the pages to read the stories of love, redemption, sacrifice, and kindness reminding you that THE HEART OF THE SEASON lives within us all!

Available now on Amazon in ebook and print editions, and on Lulu in ebook (print coming soon).

May your holidays shine bright with the love of family and friends from near and far, and your troubles never outweigh your ability to bear them.