Today
the lovely, talented and my good friend, D.L. Finn is here to tell us
about her latest release: In The Trees Shadows. It's a great read. My
review will be posted on IWSG Wednesday.
Thank you, Sandra, for having me on your amazing blog today to share the good news of my latest release, a short story collection, In the Tree’s Shadow.
“In the Moment” is one of those stories that came to me in the middle of the night. It’s when some of those worries from all the negative news creep in and present a scenario. What if we go too far and take it to the next level? When do we cross from using words into a solution where death is acceptable?
This is an avenue I explored with Nora. She is looking forward to an early night, maybe reading a book while her husband is away fishing. But when people spot strange lights in the sky, an earthquake hits, and the power goes out, Nora is concerned but out of the information loop. Are her family and husband okay?
I’ve felt like Nora when we lose power and phones during a storm. Tucked safely into the woods and isolated, we wouldn’t have a clue if something major happened. These thoughts keep my mind occupied in the darkness and become a reality for Nora.
BLURB:
A collection of short stories where dreams and nightmares coexist.
Nestled inside these pages, you’ll meet a couple in their golden years who take a trip with an unexpected detour, a boy desperate to give his brother the Christmas gift he asked for, a girl with a small glass dragon who is at the mercy of her cruel uncles, and a young mother who has a recurring dream about murder. You’ll be introduced to worlds where people get second chances and monsters might be allowed their desires, while angels and dragons try to help. Happy endings occur, but perspective can blur the line between good and evil in these twenty-seven tales. Since the stories vary between 99 and 12,000 words, whether you have only five minutes or an entire evening to settle into reading, there is something that will suit your time and taste.
EXCERPT:
It was like every other evening when I slid into bed after my shower. The night was silent as I settled onto the cool, blue-flowered sheets. A dull thump of a headache pulsed behind my eyes as I checked the cell phone for messages, but I didn’t find any. People were abuzz about strange lights in the sky on a local social media website. Giant glowing orbs were moving together in an unusually straight line. The official explanation was that it was a new group of satellites, but they didn’t say who launched them. Some people online didn’t buy that, and others had their theories. Ideas went from alien attack to secret government experiment. None of it sounded plausible, and I was too tired to pull myself out of bed to look.
My bed jolted like my husband, Sam, had bumped into the bed, but he wasn’t home and I hadn’t moved. This was when the talk changed from strange lights to earthquakes.
A text from my daughter, Tammy, popped up. I got woken up by someone pounding on my front door. They were trying to get in. I can’t get a response to my 9-1-1 call.
I quickly responded. I don’t think anyone is trying to break in, but don’t open the door to be safe. There has been a cluster of earthquakes, and I bet everyone calls it in.
I sent her a screenshot from the app that monitors them while I quickly responded to three texts from friends asking if I was okay after the quakes and strange lights.
I’m fine. Like being back in the Bay Area! Ha!
Rarely did I feel the Earth move in my house in the mountains. I was no longer tired. With a sigh, I tugged on my gray bathrobe as my orange tabby, Leo, popped from under the bed.
FUN FINN FACTS:
1. I believe fairies live in our forest. I wouldn’t be surprised if Bigfoot was out there with them.
2. Last time I rode a horse was on our 36th wedding anniversary in Fort Bragg, CA, on the beach. The horse took off across the sandy shore, and although I knew how to handle it and was enjoying myself, our guide was not amused. 😊
BIO:
D. L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 she relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to Nevada City, in the Sierra foothills. She immersed herself in reading all types of books but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations include children’s books, adult fiction, a unique autobiography, and poetry. She continues on her adventure with an open invitation to all readers to join her.
D.L. Finn Links:
