I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Dustin Grinnell shares a powerful collection of short stories featuring characters exploring their existence in “The Healing Book.”
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The Synopsis
The Healing Book is a poignant collection of short stories that explore the intricate dance between loss, failure, and redemption, delving into the lives of characters who grapple with the paradoxes of contemporary existence.
From a neurosurgeon’s search for solace in a Peruvian ayahuasca ceremony to a middle-aged man’s rebellion against self-help literature and societal norms, each story is a journey of psychological, emotional, and spiritual healing. Imbued with wisdom and insight, the narratives offer readers a moment of reflection and a touchstone in their own search for personal growth and transformation.
Whether it’s a theoretical physicist’s existential crisis or a burned-out office worker’s search for peace, each story in The Healing Book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of narrative to heal and transform.
The Review
Each story in this collection was so compelling and emotionally driven. The characters felt so grounded and relatable, and the author’s imagery really drove home the emotional depth of each story. What stood out was how well-rounded each story was, allowing the characters to find a sense of closure without feeling open-ended.
The strong themes and emotional storytelling are what stood out the most in this collection. The range of characters and themes was astounding, from a husband who will go to impossible lengths to help heal his ailing wife, to an office worker who seeks to find a new calling in life and so much more, each story touched upon the ways in which we encounter and overcome loss, and the ways in which failure can lead to redemption in any circumstance.
The Verdict
Compelling, engaging, and memorable, “The Healing Book” by author Dustin Grinnell is a must-read collection of short stories. The heart and passion of each character in each story could be felt by the reader as the author delved into their lives, and the perfect balance of tension, emotion, and personal struggle made this a thrilling collection that felt both entertaining and healing. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dustin Grinnell is a fiction writer and essayist based in Boston. He’s the author of the short story
collection, The Healing Book (Finishing Line Press), The Empathy Academy (Atmosphere Press), and a
collection of personal essays, Lost & Found: Reflections on Travel, Career, Love and Family (Peter Lang
Group). His creative nonfiction has appeared in many magazines and literary journals, including The LA
Review of Books, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, New Scientist, Vice, Salon, and Writer’s
Digest, among others. He’s also the host of the podcast, Curiously. See more of his work at his website.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Bob McCauley shares a brand new collection of short stories in the book “A Stranger In Foreign Lands.”
The Synopsis
Screenshot
There is a debate as to how many types of fiction there are. Some say there are over 144 genres and subgenres of fiction, romance fiction being the world’s most popular and widely sold. I’m not exactly sure which is the least popular, but I would certainly place among them literary fiction. Some have concluded that the difference between literary fiction and all its other genres is meaning over entertainment. Literary fiction has meaning, and as Ernest Hemingway once said, it is like an iceberg in that 10% of the work’s meaning is above the surface of the water, while the remaining 90% is below the surface. I write literary fiction because of my love for it. I want it to be discussed in university classrooms and literary circles. And because it is by far the most difficult type of fiction to write.
The Review
This was a compelling and gripping collection of short stories in the literary fiction genre. The thoughtful presentation of each story really allowed readers to be able to feel immersed in each setting as these stories took place in the Middle East. The fast pacing of a story gave the reader plenty of time to really connect with these characters while also feeling the emotional pacing of their journey.
The book also journeys to the near and far east. The stories range from personal to cultural and beyond and allow the reader to feel immersed in each areas, specific culture and history. The tone of the collection speaks to the authors experiences in life and passion for telling intimate and compelling personal stories that are reflected in rich and dynamic characters.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, compelling, and enthralling author, Bob McCauley’s “A Stranger in Foreign Lands” is a must read collection of literary short fiction. Each story felt direct into the point and yet also personal and profound at the same time. Readers will feel completely immersed, and the specific cultures found in this collection and will feel an emotional pull to travel and experience the world for themselves. If you haven’t yet, please be sure to grab your copy today!
Reading: 10/10
About the Author
I grew up on a junk-food diet in the 1960s. I never considered then that what went into my body was of any importance until I started running cross country and track in high school. By my early 20s, I was a vegetarian but had only given up meat since I still ate eggs and dairy products. I went into the bottled water business 25 years ago. What I knew from the very beginning was that I had a health product. Shortly after that, I discovered alkaline ionized water, spirulina, and chlorella, the raw food diet, and how to be truly healthy. I decided I wanted a more formal education about natural health, so I became a Certified Nutritional Consultant. A few years later, I became a Certified Master Herbalist and eventually a Naturopathic Doctor. However, the vast majority of what I know about health is what I have experienced personally. The water I drink, the foods that I consume, my exercise regimen, and how it all makes me feel. My health protocol is my lifestyle, and my lifestyle is my health protocol. I am a Roman Catholic.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I was born in the South Bronx. It was the late fifties/ early sixties. It was gang territory and everyone had to travel with their gang. My friends and I were into the Marvel comics, picking out our favorite superheroes to emulate. We drew out the figures, and I tried to write the next story to come. I guess I started writing fan fiction before it became fan fiction. I always had several stories running in my head and daily battles to fight.
2) What inspired you to write your book?
The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales is a collection of short stories that encompasses about three decades of work. One day I was going through my file cabinet and decided I should publish some of these. I thought it would make a nice Christmas gift for my readers. It covers the different genres I have worked in and these stories are some of my best.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
That is hard to say because there are different themes and messages in each story. For example, Cold Storage is a precautionary tale about science and medicine not always working out for the better. While Antibody leaves the reader questioning ‘is the government’s use of science and medicine right if it serves the greater good’. The title story examines our idea of beauty and if people can change their behavior.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
There are multiple genres in the book. I like to write in all of them. Usually, the story will dictate what genre it falls into.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would talk to Harry from The Moth and ask him why he didn’t just run. He let himself get pulled back into a world of crime right after getting out of jail. Was he really in love with Rachael? Was he trying to be Calliope’s hero? Or was he that afraid of what Blackie would do to him?
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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’m on Facebook the most. So, I guess they would be the most helpful. I post links to podcasts, interviews, plus any reviews I get there.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Keep writing. So many write one book then sit back and wait for it to sell. After you write your first book start working on the next one. I usually have a couple of books in the works. Selling books is completely different from writing books. They are two different jobs, don’t get bogged down in the one and forget the other.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
I have to finish The Gemstone Series. I published The Ruby Cradle, the second book, June 2025. Now, I am working on The Diamond Warrior. I have a horror story in the works, The House of Sun and Shadows, it will be my first full length novel in that genre. And I have more short stories to publish. I think I’ll be busy in 2026.
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About the Author
James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s.
He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined.
James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.
The four-part adult urban crime series, The Killer Series, is complete. Killer With A Heart, Killer With Three Heads,Killer With Black Blood have all received five-star reviews.Killer With Ice Eyes, the final chapter of the boys from the Bronx, is available now.
He is currently working on a three-part historical fantasy Gemstone Series; The Emerald Lady is in publication to rave reviews. The Ruby Cradle and the third book, The Diamond Warrior, is coming soon.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author James L. Hill shares a powerful collection of short stories in the book “The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales.”
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The Synopsis
From the dark distant past to the far-flung fantastic future comes crimes of passion and hopeful heroes.
The world has fallen back into a more deadly Covid-19 pandemic. A journalist, Baron Beard, risks everything to uncover government secrets exposed by an internet troll known only as Veritas.
Harry, a brilliant but naïve computer hacker, finds himself drawn deeper into the underworld like a moth to a flame. Of course, there’s a woman holding the torch.
Dr. Energy has plans to save the world but only if he can avoid destroying it first. He’s 99% sure he can. Well, maybe 85%. But he still likes his odds.
You will be intrigued as you turn the pages and the plot twists in these eight amazing stories of mysteries, thrillers, and dystopian science fiction.
The Review
What a compelling and gripping collection of short stories. The pacing and world-building the author poured into the collection were astounding, with each story giving readers a chance to connect with the characters and feel the emotional weight of its consequences. The powerful imagery in these stories helped bring the grandiose, sci-fi elements to the narratives, while the character development grounded the characters, making for a truly balanced reading experience.
Yet at the heart of each story was a strong, thematic narrative that really stood out. The stories explored everything from man’s attempts to rewrite nature and the role of science versus religion, to a slave’s desperate escape to freedom and the cost that comes to those who enslave others, and so much more. The blend of science fiction, fantasy, and horror that the author introduces throughout the collection helps cement these characters and adds emotional depth, allowing the reader to invest in them so quickly.
The Verdict
Captivating, enthralling, and thrilling, author James L. Hill’s “The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales” is a must-read short story collection. The twists and turns in each story, the heartfelt and compelling emotional beats each one hits, and the thought-provoking themes these stories encompass will stay with readers long after the collection ends, leaving them eager to explore more from this amazing author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.
A new stunning short story collection by critically acclaimed author, James L. Hill
Released by Rockhill Publishing
The book is available worldwide in digital and print format
From the dark distant past to the far-flung fantastic future comes crimes of passion and hopeful heroes.
The world has fallen back into a more deadly Covid-19 pandemic. A journalist, Baron Beard, risks everything to uncover government secrets exposed by an internet troll known only as Veritas.
Harry, a brilliant but naïve computer hacker, finds himself drawn deeper into the underworld like a moth to a flame. Of course, there’s a woman holding the torch.
Dr. Energy has plans to save the world but only if he can avoid destroying it first. He’s 99% sure he can. Well, maybe 85%. But he still likes his odds.
You will be intrigued as you turn the pages and the plot twists in these eight amazing stories of mysteries, thrillers, and dystopian science fiction.
James L Hill, a.k.a. J L Hill, is a native New Yorker from the South Bronx, Fort Apache, of the turbulent 60’s. He earned a degree in computer programming, his other love. A multi-genre author, his experiences seasoned his novels and the worlds he imagined. James started RockHill Publishing LLC to publish his own work and give others access to the literary world.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Betty Jane Hegerat shares a collection of short stories that explore the regrets and lessons people learn in life in the book “Elephants in the Room.”
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The Synopsis
Fourteen jewel-like stories unveil the tender chaos of lives unlived and loves unspoken
In Elephants in the Room, Betty Jane Hegerat masterfully uncovers the quiet fractures of ordinary lives—the unspoken regrets, the buried griefs, and the fragile threads of connection that bind families across generations.
From a devoted son’s frantic dash to help his mother glimpse the Queen to a reluctant father’s stunned reunion with the daughter he never knew, from a woman dressing her mother-in-law for an eternal rest to a boy’s guilty reckoning with a bully’s untimely death, these unforgettable stories illuminate the elephants in our lives we ignore at our peril.
With tender wit and unflinching insight, Hegerat explores the weight of what we leave unsaid: the ache of lost chances, the solace of small mercies, and the stubborn grit that carries us through. As poignant as a stolen glance, as resonant as a half-forgotten lullaby, the stories in Elephants in the Room whisper the unvarnished secrets of family ties—where regrets loom large, and small acts of grace light the way home.
The Review
These stories have such a significant impact on the reader. The relatability and depth of emotion each story brings to life are fantastic, and the vivid imagery it uses really brings the settings and characters to life on the page. The versatility of the characters and the way each felt unique and different from those in previous stories made the narrative’s pacing feel fast-paced and the atmosphere enveloping.
The heart of the story was the introspective journey each story took readers on. The story Jawbreaker stood out, as the reader is presented with a tense parental situation that a great-grandmother witnesses. The story not only highlighted the tension and wrongs both parties were part of, but also the feeling of helplessness in a situation with no winners and a child caught in the middle. This story reflected the open-ended nature of many of these stories, as if catching snapshots of people’s lives in a moment in time.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, engaging, and memorable, author Betty Jane Hegerat’s “Elephants in the Room” is a must-read anthology of unforgettable genre fiction stories. The creativity and the relatability of these characters and their stories will resonate with so many readers and keep them engaged until the final story’s end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Calgary author Betty Jane Hegerat was a social worker in a long-ago life. The stories she has written since she left that career behind reflect an ongoing need to make sense of conflict and chaos in relationships, and to find moments of laughter and even glimmers of redemption. That seriousness aside, she loves the Calgary writing community. She has taught at the Alexandra Writers’ Centre, Fernie Writers’ Conference, for Continuing Education at the U of C, and was Writer in Residence for the Calgary Public Library. In 2015 she was honoured to receive the Writers Guild of Alberta Golden Pen Award for lifetime achievement in writing. Betty Jane’s stories have been published in anthologies and magazines. She has five previous books: a novel, Running Toward Home (Newest Press), collection of stories, A Crack in the Wall (Oolichan Books), another novel, Delivery (Oolican Books), and two YA novels, Odd One Out (Oolichan Books) and The Boy (Oolichan Books). The Boy is a French braid of investigative journalism, fiction, memoir, and meta-fiction. The book was shortlisted for the Calgary Book Prize, High Plains Book Awards, and Alberta Writers Guild Wilfrid Eggleston Non-Fiction award.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Rhea Thomas shares 15 short stories of magical realism in the collection “Let Birds Fly.”
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The Synopsis
Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas is a magical realism short story collection where the extraordinary sparks everyday lives toward transformation. Connected by Ripple Media, each of the fifteen characters navigates personal struggles, such as an impossible itch, a mercurial third eye, and hallucinating coffee. They discover hidden truths, purpose, or power. With whimsy and emotional depth, these stories explore identity, passion, and self-discovery through moments of enchantment that crack open ordinary reality. Let these tales remind you: sometimes, the most magical thing is becoming who you were always meant to be.
The Review
This was a unique and surreal collection of short stories. While each story could stand on its own, the underlying connective factor of the Office setting, with Ripple Media playing a role in each of these stories and the characters’ lives, was a great twist, allowing readers to channel their own workplace environments into the narratives. The vivid imagery in these stories and the strong character development the author achieves in such short stories are incredible, especially in one of my personal favorites, The Third Eye.
The satirical and magical nature of these stories, as well as the wise and almost lyrical style of writing, made this story shine brightly. The practically metaphysical nature of this collection speaks to a hidden layer of reality as we know it, with each tale striking at topics like corporate struggles for workers and the grief we feel losing a family member in a way that feels relatable and engaging.
The Verdict
Thought-provoking, satirical, and engaging, author Rhea Thomas’s “Let Birds Fly” is a must-read collection of short stories. The twists and turns each story takes, the unique nature of the self-contained stories within a larger umbrella tale, and the powerful imagery that these stories conjure up will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Rhea Thomas lives in Austin, Texas where she works as a program manager in the digital media world. Her short stories have been published in multiple publications, including, most recently, The Fictional Café, Toasted Cheese and Does It Have Pockets. She spends her free time hoarding books, walking her stubborn Labrador retriever, playing games with her sons, kayaking and swimming in rivers, searching for mysteries and writing short stories that explore magical moments in the mundane. Her first book, a collection of short stories, is due out in August 2025, and she’s currently working on a literary mystery novel.
Join us at the Muffin as we celebrate the launch of Let Birds Fly by Rhea Thomas. We interview the author and give you a chance to win a copy of the book.
Back at his desk, Beto took his first cautious sip and almost groaned out loud. It tasted fucking incredible. There was a richness to it that slid across his tongue in a velvety caress with a tinge of orange, with little spicy, almost peppery, sparks exploding in its wake. He gently ran his finger over his tongue to make sure it was, well, still normal-feeling. It was tingling, not unpleasantly. He took another sip and had the same experience, although slightly less surprising, since he knew to expect it, but no less amazing. Each subsequent sip produced the same effect. This coffee was incredible. It was a tongue-gasm. And in between these sips, something interesting was happening. Beto’s super-organized email inbox, which had lots of folders and labels, was turning into a rainbow, with different subjects taking on different colors. He looked around and saw rainbows on other people’s screens, so he shook his head and went back to work. Must be some weird new update.
From To The Fairest:
About an hour later, hearing a knock on her front door, she opened it without checking, assuming it was her food delivery, and found a goddess standing on her welcome mat. Tall, with olive skin, shiny black hair falling down her back and gray eyes, the woman wore a silver breastplate and had an owl on her shoulder.
“I am Athena, daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war.”
Sophia stared for a second and then burst out laughing. “Nice one. Did Lucy send you?”
“Lucy? No, I’m here because of the Golden Apple.”
Sophia put her hands on her hips. “Uh-huh, and how did you know I have it?”
Athena opened her mouth to reply, but Sophia continued, “Let me guess, you’re here to promise me wealth if I give it to you?”
Athena narrowed her eyes. “Did someone tell you I was coming? Did they beat me here?” She tried to peer past Sophia into the apartment.
“There’s no one here. Wait, who is they? Who is coming?” Sophia asked.
“Aphrodite and Hera, of course.” She turned around to look behind her as if they might be there already.
From A Fearsome Thing:
Dixon Murray started his morning with an omelet, strong coffee and murder, and he was rather particular about the order. A hearty breakfast followed by crime was his preferred start to every day, if he was completely honest with himself, although, the murder part was the new addition he was trying to make a habit.
He made the omelet himself with three eggs, slightly beaten, low-fat milk, shredded pepper jack cheese, chopped organic green onions and bell peppers, and one sliced avocado. He preferred his coffee black and strong, and he liked to sit down with both the coffee and the omelet at the wooden desk in his small home office to contemplate murder. He wasn’t picky about the method of murder; stabbing, strangling, poison or guns, anything and everything was on the table. The more complicated, the more involved stages of planning, the more satisfying it was. Dixon wanted more than anything to be a mystery novelist. But, as the adult son of an actual celebrated mystery novelist, he knew just how high the bar was and what his chances were of writing something, well, publishable.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Annmarie SanSevero leads readers into a collection of speculative fiction that explores mystery and the supernatural in “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories.”
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The Synospis
An Intricate and Harmonious Dance Between Humanity and Technology
Dive into Annmarie SanSevero’s gripping collection of speculative fiction, where suspense, mystery, and the supernatural collide with the frontiers of science. Each story pulses with themes of hope, resilience, and the ethical complexities of technological advancements.
A testament to the human spirit, these tales weave suspense, mystery, and supernatural elements into a tapestry of speculative fiction that resonates with contemporary societal issues. Don’t miss your chance to experience these unforgettable narratives and embark on a journey that both challenges and inspires.
The Review
This was such a powerful collection of short stories. The speculative fiction genre always knows how to push the envelope and get readers really thinking critically and taking in all considerations. The dynamic character development and fast-paced yet monumental story points in each short story really hit both emotional and psychological notes, resonating with readers as they dive deeper into the collection.
The powerful imagery and strong themes really were the backbone of this collection. The stories each brought a profound discussion to the table, from the titular story’s exploration of technology left unregulated, to the story “Heresy of Peace” delving into the topic of division and war amongst groups of people, whether it be due to politics, religion, or ideology as a whole, and how that division could be the undoing of everyone. The heartfelt emotional pull of these stories and the thrilling twists each one houses make this collection truly shine.
The Verdict
Engaging, thoughtful, and uniquely human in a very genre-specific collection of stories, author Annmarie SanSevero’s “The Butterfly’s Stroke and Other Stories” is a must-read short story collection of speculative fiction. The twists and turns, the compelling characters, and the thought-provoking themes will keep readers invested in every tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Annmarie SanSevero grew up in New York City but was transplanted to the south in high school. She writes stories about hope, courage, and resilience in fantasy, science fiction, steampunk, and mystery. She loves exploring the human experience and wants readers to feel like they can do more than survive. They can be world changers.
When she’s not writing, Annmarie enjoys learning just about everything (yep, she’s a nerd), playing violin, tap dancing, and singing. One day, she wants to go LARPing.
Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, Harriet Richards’s acclaimed short story collection, to be re-released in a new edition September 30 by Shadowpaw Press Reprise
Shadowpaw Press Reprise in Regina, Saskatchewan, is thrilled to announce the release on September 30 of a new edition of Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, the acclaimed short story collection by Harriet Richards, a finalist for Book of the Year at the 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards.
“These ten stories summon environs and echoes from as far away as my four-year-old self, and showcase fictional versions of a few of my dearest and not-so-dear fellow travellers in life,” says Richards. “What a wonderful journey this has been to revisit these worlds and bring them to light once again.
“It’s been a joy for me to read these stories for the first time, and I’m thrilled to be able to re-introduce them to the reading public,” says Edward Willett, publisher of Shadowpaw Press. “Shadowpaw Press Reprise exists to bring out new editions of notable, previously published books. Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die is a perfect example of what the imprint was designed to return to life.”
More about Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die
Finalist, Book of the Year, 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards
“There are forces at play so simple, natural, and accidental that nobody can figure them out and see them coming.”
In a small prairie town, a teenage girl’s unexpected pregnancy upends her family’s quiet rhythms, revealing the tender absurdities of love and loss. In shadowed ravines and forgotten sheds, a child confronts the rats of her nightmares and the fragile bonds of friendship. A boy chasing turtles and salamanders discovers the razor-thin line between joy and oblivion, while siblings navigate a mother’s surreal transformation amid whispers of art, betrayal, and unspoken curses.
In Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, Harriet Richards weaves ten haunting tales of ordinary lives cracked open by the extraordinary―heartaches, spectral visitations, forbidden desires, and the quiet violence of human connection. From a woman’s escape from a controlling lover to a daughter’s reckoning with her mother’s final romance, these stories pulse with dark humour, poignant insight, and the raw poetry of the everyday, exploring the ties that bind―and break―us, in a world in which “there’s lots more sorrow flying around people’s heads than there is joy.”
Even though that sorrow may be heartbreaking, and occasionally horrific, the reader is constantly reminded, with the quiet, clear-eyed, and sometimes mischievous irony of Harriet Richards’s voice, that in this world―in the least likely places―we may entertain angels unawares.
Praise for Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die
Finalist, Book of the Year, 2003 Saskatchewan Book Awards
“Richards, at her best when she enters psychological terrain, maps psychic contours with chilling accuracy and eerie pulchritude . . . A piano tuner adjusts the instrument’s strings to ensure it sounds harmonious. The same might be said of Richards’s talent for creating organically unified short fictions of the first order.”—The Globe and Mail
“In Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die, Harriet Richards has once again proven her considerable skill as a writer of literary fiction. Her first book, The Lavender Child, a quiet but shimmering novel concerning three generations of one family, showcased Richards’ knack for characterization . . . the author has followed up with a collection of stories that holds its own among the best in the genre.”—Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
“While lyrical and affecting, there is nothing precious, nothing sentimental in this collection. It’s edgy fiction grounded in the flat and vast Saskatchewan landscape: the environments are expansive but the stories dig deep.”―Planet, the Welsh Internationalist
More about the author
Harriet Richards was born in Toronto, Ontario, as the fifth of seven children to a Welsh father and an American mother. Her family relocated to the prairies during her childhood. Initially pursuing a career as a visual artist, her creative focus shifted when an obstinate painting, inspired by a recurring dream, evolved into her first short story.
Richards is the author of three acclaimed works of fiction. The Lavender Child (1998) was a finalist for the Fiction Award and won the First Book Award at the Saskatchewan Book Awards. Waiting for the Piano Tuner to Die (2003) was a finalist for Book of the Year, and The Pious Robber (2013) was also a finalist for Book of the Year and won the Fiction Award. Her short fiction has appeared in literary journals in Canada and Wales, and her paintings have been featured on book covers in both countries.
Richards has guided emerging writers through the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild and edited numerous works of fiction and literary essays for authors across Canada. She resides in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
About Shadowpaw Press
Shadowpaw Press, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, was founded in 2018 by award- winning author Edward Willett. Shadowpaw Press is a member of Literary Press Group (Canada) and the Association of Canadian Publishers and publishes an eclectic selection of books by both new and established authors, including adult fiction, young adult fiction, children’s books, nonfiction, and anthologies.
