Who am I and Why Do I Write?
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Lisa H. Owens
Member: The Author's Guild since 2020 Member: Writer's League of Texas since 2021 Inclusion in: Who's Who of Emerging Writers 2021 Featured: Black Ink Fiction's Women in Horror [February, 2022] Visit: Author Page on Amazon Visit: Author Page on Spillwords Visit: Author Page on 101 Words Visit: Author Page on The World of Myth Magazine Visit: Author Page on Reedsy |
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Featured Anthology: Nobody Left to Blame
By Lisa H. Owens & Dawn DeBraal
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Lisa H. Owens [p. 153-154}
History: I was born in Burlington, North Carolina in 1961, the tail-end of the generation known as the Baby Boomers. Growing up, my family moved around—a lot. I attended a total of nine schools-in six cities-in four states before my first year of college in 1980.
Following a gap year, I moved to Oklahoma to attend college, graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Not able to land a job in my chosen profession in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, I began a 25-year career as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, retiring in 2009.
Even before fully retiring, I started a new career working for an environmental corporation in Tarrant County Texas founded by my husband shortly after we married in 1987. It has been a welcome change of pace and affords me the flexibility necessary to write and pursue other interests and hobbies.
“By day,” I am an environmental compliance manager, writing as well as editing technical reports. The creation of job-specific Excel spreadsheets and GAEA Winlog Soil Borings, something I approach with gusto, has earned me the coveted title of nerd among my office peers.
"By night," (and weekends) I can be found at my home in North Texas writing humorous vignettes inspired by numerous moves with my oddball family when I was a child. Twenty-four were published over the course of two years (2018-2020) in the form of monthly humourist columns, which are archived in with the Stephenville Empire-Tribune and the Glen Rose Reporter. Moving forward, nearly two-hundred of my drabbles, poems and short stories, in a variety of genres, have been included in magazines, e-zines and over fifty anthologies, with more on the horizon. You can find my anthologies on my Amazon Author Page, and stories and poems on 100-Word Story, 101 Words,The Drabble, Globe Soup, Black Ink Fiction, Black Hare Press, The World of Myth Magazine, Beneath the Surface News, International Lockdown Journal, WOW! Women on Writing, The Muffin, Spillwords, Short Story Avenue, Dark Nowhere, Short Story Town, The NZ Dream and Coping Magazine. You may listen to narrated versions of a few of my poems and short horror storys on Creepy Pod 31 Days of Halloween, 2022, Scare you to Sleep, Weird Christmas and in The Poets Lounge, a YouTube channel. (The links may also be found on my home page and further down on this page). My bio was included in "Who's Who of Emerging Writers 2021," and on Black Ink Fiction's Women in Horror in February, 2022.
Writing: My interest in the written word began at a young age. I guess I have always had a love affair with books and began to read many of the classics (Little Women, Mark Twain, Oliver Twist, The Call of the Wild, Don Quixote, Treasure Island, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and Gulliver's Travels to name a few) as early as third grade (1969) when my Daddy would drop me at my hometown public library in Graham, North Carolina almost every Saturday. I would occupy myself for hours reading, curled on the floor with a stack of books by my side. I always considered books to be my educational babysitter.
My love of reading inspired me to try my hand at writing, beginning in fifth grade when I won a school-wide essay contest at Graham Elementary School with my submission titled, Why I Love My School. Continuing in high school, I won a class-wide songwriting contest, creating an original Christmas Carol, Christmas Time is Here Again. Following the creation of a musical score (also created by my classmates), the song was performed at our annual Christmas Chorale Performance.
Home life: I have two children. My daughter, born in 1987, was a news editor and an award-winning journalist for two North Texas newspapers for several years and now works for a translation service corporation. She is also a gifted musician, a weekend volleyball enthusiast and avid planner of weekend-with-friends activities. My son, born in 1989 and recently married, is working in an executive position for a Fortune 500 company based in Boston, Massachusetts. He loves to travel, having already checked off many of the places to visit on his bucket list, and is an outdoor-sport enthusiast, participating in a variety of weekend activities and adventures.
I can often be found at home, in the North Texas county in which I have resided since 1995, working, writing, swimming, gardening, reading, painting, binge-watching one of many binge-worthy television series, or walking through a nearby park with my two rescue dogs, though our walks grow shorter and shorter as my boys age.
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope you are able to find some of my musings of interest and may they bring a smile to your lips.
Books and Anthologies - Published:
Books and Anthologies - Coming Soon:
Awards and Nominations:
Recognized Stories and Poems:
E-Zine Publications:
Following a gap year, I moved to Oklahoma to attend college, graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Not able to land a job in my chosen profession in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, I began a 25-year career as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines, retiring in 2009.
Even before fully retiring, I started a new career working for an environmental corporation in Tarrant County Texas founded by my husband shortly after we married in 1987. It has been a welcome change of pace and affords me the flexibility necessary to write and pursue other interests and hobbies.
“By day,” I am an environmental compliance manager, writing as well as editing technical reports. The creation of job-specific Excel spreadsheets and GAEA Winlog Soil Borings, something I approach with gusto, has earned me the coveted title of nerd among my office peers.
"By night," (and weekends) I can be found at my home in North Texas writing humorous vignettes inspired by numerous moves with my oddball family when I was a child. Twenty-four were published over the course of two years (2018-2020) in the form of monthly humourist columns, which are archived in with the Stephenville Empire-Tribune and the Glen Rose Reporter. Moving forward, nearly two-hundred of my drabbles, poems and short stories, in a variety of genres, have been included in magazines, e-zines and over fifty anthologies, with more on the horizon. You can find my anthologies on my Amazon Author Page, and stories and poems on 100-Word Story, 101 Words,The Drabble, Globe Soup, Black Ink Fiction, Black Hare Press, The World of Myth Magazine, Beneath the Surface News, International Lockdown Journal, WOW! Women on Writing, The Muffin, Spillwords, Short Story Avenue, Dark Nowhere, Short Story Town, The NZ Dream and Coping Magazine. You may listen to narrated versions of a few of my poems and short horror storys on Creepy Pod 31 Days of Halloween, 2022, Scare you to Sleep, Weird Christmas and in The Poets Lounge, a YouTube channel. (The links may also be found on my home page and further down on this page). My bio was included in "Who's Who of Emerging Writers 2021," and on Black Ink Fiction's Women in Horror in February, 2022.
Writing: My interest in the written word began at a young age. I guess I have always had a love affair with books and began to read many of the classics (Little Women, Mark Twain, Oliver Twist, The Call of the Wild, Don Quixote, Treasure Island, The Iliad, The Odyssey, and Gulliver's Travels to name a few) as early as third grade (1969) when my Daddy would drop me at my hometown public library in Graham, North Carolina almost every Saturday. I would occupy myself for hours reading, curled on the floor with a stack of books by my side. I always considered books to be my educational babysitter.
My love of reading inspired me to try my hand at writing, beginning in fifth grade when I won a school-wide essay contest at Graham Elementary School with my submission titled, Why I Love My School. Continuing in high school, I won a class-wide songwriting contest, creating an original Christmas Carol, Christmas Time is Here Again. Following the creation of a musical score (also created by my classmates), the song was performed at our annual Christmas Chorale Performance.
Home life: I have two children. My daughter, born in 1987, was a news editor and an award-winning journalist for two North Texas newspapers for several years and now works for a translation service corporation. She is also a gifted musician, a weekend volleyball enthusiast and avid planner of weekend-with-friends activities. My son, born in 1989 and recently married, is working in an executive position for a Fortune 500 company based in Boston, Massachusetts. He loves to travel, having already checked off many of the places to visit on his bucket list, and is an outdoor-sport enthusiast, participating in a variety of weekend activities and adventures.
I can often be found at home, in the North Texas county in which I have resided since 1995, working, writing, swimming, gardening, reading, painting, binge-watching one of many binge-worthy television series, or walking through a nearby park with my two rescue dogs, though our walks grow shorter and shorter as my boys age.
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope you are able to find some of my musings of interest and may they bring a smile to your lips.
Books and Anthologies - Published:
- Who's Who of Emerging Writers 2021: inclusion as one of 128 selected authors [p. 153-154] - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon.]
- The Whole Wide World Anthology: inclusion as one of 80 international authors in a compilation mystery thriller solving the case of the missing Limp Noodle Sauce Recipe - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon.]
- Journeys (The Writer's Journey Blog Anthology): inclusion as one of 42 international authors in a compilation of multi-genre "journey" themed stories - published by Elaine Marie Carnegie and Barrio Blues Press (proceeds to be donated to Doctors Without Borders). Christmas in Four Parts, Thank You for Choosing BOSSJourneys, Digging to China. [Available on Amazon.]
- Journeys II: Out of this World Anthology: inclusion as one of many international authors in an Out of This World themed anthology about some type of Journey that could not happen to you in everyday life. Anything from a dream to another planet, including any Journey that would not be likely to occur in everyday life! - published by Elaine Marie Carnegie and Barrio Blues Press (proceeds to be donated to the Reach Out and Read Foundation). Murray the Martian's Mission - a poem, Wanderlust - a 100-word drabble and Reaching for Stars - a magical realism short story. [Available on Amazon]
- Journeys III: Over the Waters: the Third Anniversary Edition of Journeys features an all-star cast of international authors. The Storyteller: a poem, Fancying a New Leg and Lost at Sea... Again - published by Elaine Marie Carnegie-Padgett [Available on Amazon]
- Journeys IV: Magic and Mystery: the Fourth Anniversary Edition of Journeys features another all-star cast of international authors. The Psychic, The Forbidden Spell Disaster and Dry Ralph - published by Elaine Marie Carnegie-Padgett and Stone Pony Publishing [Available on Amazon]
- Around the World: Landscapes & Cityscapes: inclusion as one of 200 selected authors in this poetry anthology, a compilation of places holding special memories. Haleakala: House of the Sun - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon]
- Love Letters (or Poems) to...: inclusion as one of 200 international authors in this anthology comprised of letters and poems to special people. Dear Granddaddy - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon.]
- Stories & Poems in the Song of Life: inclusion as one of 175 international authors in this music-themed anthology. A Symphony of Plastic Recorders - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon.]
- Beautiful: In the Eye of the Beholder: inclusion as one of 200 international authors in this anthology comprised of short stories and poems related to beauty. Bella-Strange - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon.]
- Heartless Anthology: inclusion in this holiday horrors anti-Valentine's Day anthology filled with 100-word tales of love gone wrong. Nothing Says Love Like a Handmade Card. - published by Black Ink Fiction [Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #4: inclusion as one of 32 worldwide authors in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. An Ode to Cigarettes - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #5: inclusion as one of 32 worldwide authors in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. Purple - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Poetic #7: inclusion as one of 30 worldwide authors in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. Was is Just a Dream? - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available of Amazon]
- Poetica #12: inclusion as one of 39 worldwide authors in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. Her Chair - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #13: inclusion as one of 35 worldwide authors in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. We're All Broken Here - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #15: inclusion as one of 44 worldwide authors in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. The Decline of Lulu - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #16: inclusion as one of 44 worldwide poets in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. Glass Prisons in Suburbia - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #17: inclusion as one of 40 worldwide poets in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. This One Time at Band Camp... - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Poetica #18: inclusion as one of 40 worldwide poets in this anthology comprised of a variety of poems. A World Void of Light - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Coming Soon to Amazon]
- Thuggish Itch: By the Seaside: inclusion as one of many international authors in this seaside-themed horror anthology. Uncle Flappy's Boats and Bait - published by Gypsum Sound Tales [Now Available on Amazon]
- Movement: Our Bodies in Action: inclusion as one of over 200 international authors in this anthology comprised of short stories and poems related to movement. Maneuvers in an Air Pocket - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #5: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - When It's Your Birthday and All You Want is a Hot Dog on a Stick - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #7: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - Be My Frankenstein - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #9: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - The Last Storyteller - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #10: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - The Odd Trial of the Gaffer - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #12: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - The Curse of the Draw - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Now Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #14: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - Granite Mountain - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #15: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - The Cry of the Boghaunter - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #17: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - The Harshness of Earthlings - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Galaxy #19: inclusion in an Inner Circle Writers' Group Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology - Choosing a Companion - published by Grant P. Hudson and Clarendon House Publications. [Available on Amazon]
- Jewels in the Queen's Crown Best of the Best Anthology: inclusion with a Ruby Award story alongside 171 winning stories in this "best of the best stories published by Sweetycat Press" - magical realism story, Bella-Strange. [Available on Amazon]
- ZooAnthology: inclusion as one of 200 international authors in this anthology dedicated to a chance encounter with an animal – a farm, at the zoo, in the ocean, trekking through the woods, or on safari. When Someone's Trash Becomes Your Treasure -published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon]
- Animal Cage Anthology: Under the Big Top Drabbles 3: inclusion as one of many authors in this anthology dedicated to things gone awry at the zoo or circus or anywhere animals, real or monstrous creations, may inhabit. Jambo's Revenge: part-one, Unique Opportunity: BYO Animals: part-two and Coming Soon: New Exhibit at "The Zoo" - published by Black Ink Fiction. [Available on Amazon]
- Out of Time: True Paranormal Encounters: inclusion as one of 26 authors in this anthology dedicated to true ghost stories. The Hall with Seven Doors - published by Timber Ghost Press [Available on Amazon]
- Unwelcomed: Stories of Hauntings and Possessions: inclusion as one of many authors in this fiction anthology dedicated to univited ghouls. The Haunting of a Cracked Window - published by Zombie Works Publishing [Available on Amazon]
- The Gift: inclusion as one of 200 international authors in this anthology dedicated to holiday gifts. The good the bad the ugly. The joy, the sadness, the horror. Anything goes. Chuck - published by Steve Lester Carr and Sweetycat Press. [Available on Amazon]
- WTF An Anthology of Horror Volume 2: (warning: explicit graphic content) inclusion as one of twenty-one authors (the sole woman author) in this second in a series of horror anthologies (the first: Symphony of the Damned Volume 1). The Potter and the Clay and The Art of Scuplting a Face - published by TroyAnthony Schermer and Savage Realms Press. (warning: explicit graphic content) [Available on Amazon]
- Encore: inclusion as one of 83 international poets in this special "by invitation only" charity poetry anthology. The Cost of Winning, When the Nail Lady is Sketchy AF and Viva Las Vegas, Baby! - pulished by Jimmy Broccoli and All proceeds wil be donated to PALS (Pets are Loving Support) [Available on Amazon]
- Year Four: Dark Moments & Patreon: a cumulation of all the nano-tales published in the Black Hare Press Dark Moments online archive, and all the tales published on Patreon during 2022. Birds Just Wanna Have Fun part of the Night of the Killer Flamingos.
- Year Five: Dark Moments & Patreon: inclusion in a culmination of all the nano-tales published in the Dark Moments online archive, and all the tales published on Patreon during 2023. Beware the Thylarctos Plummetus Tour, Magnetic Eyes and Analysing a Film - published by Black Hare Press Dark Moments. [Available on Amazon]
- Love Me, Love Me Not: inclusion in this horror anthology devoted to love gone awry. The Hunt, Cupid's Last Delivery, Nothing Says Love Like a Handmade Card (reprint) and Apartment Number 609 - published by Black Hare Press Dark Drabbles. [Available on Amazon]
- Run Rabbit Run: Dark Drabbles: inclusion as one of many internationally published authors in this anthology of horror where no one is safe from the bunny rabbits. A Macabre Easter Tradition, Spring Cleaning and Hare-y Roadside Assistance - published by Black Hare Press and Patreon. [Available on Amazon.]
- Midsummer Madness 2023 Anthology: inclusion in this creative writing anthology published biannualy by a Northern Ireland based Indie publisher. It features poetry and fiction that is experimental, offbeat and one of a kind. A Story Told a Thousand Times - published by Heavenly Flower Publishing and Bindweed Magazine. [Available on Amazon]
- Land of 10,000 Nightmares: Minnesota Tales of Terror: inclusion in this anthology dedicated to the U.S. state, Minnesota, and its many tales of terror. The Potter and the Clay - published by Joe Pawlowski Publishing [Available on Amazon]
- No One Should Kiss a Frog: Love Gone Wrong Anthology: inclusion as one of many authors from around the world writing to the theme of "love gone wrong." Love and a Three-Layer Cake - published by C.A. MacKenzie and MacKenzie Publishing [Available on Amazon]
- Flights of Fantasy: inclusion in this fantasy themed anthology dedicated to flying. "The Robin's Extraordinary Spring: in three parts" - published by Iron Faerie Publishing. [Available on Amazon]
- The Monster Within: Tales of a Tortured Mind: inclusion in this horror anthology that comes with its own trigger warnings. "Something About Stan" published by Zombie Works Publications [Available on Myth Mart]
- Ho Ho Ho: Macabre Minama: inclusion as one of many international authors in this anthology of terrifying Holiday micro-tales of horror. "Tinsel-Bombs," "Cookie Dust," and "Sally's Stocking" - published by Black Hare Press Dark Drabbles [Available on Amazon]
- Eerie Christmas 3: The third in this series of Christmas horror anthologies with an all-star cast of international authors. The Man Who Embodied Santa Claus - published by Zombie Works Publishing. [Now Available on Books to Read and Amazon)
- Nobody Left to Blame: an Owl Canyon Press Hackathon 2023 winners anthology: Team: Redrum & Mehyam (co-authors: Lisa H. Owens and Dawn DeBraal), finalists in the annual contest with story Redeeming Angel Shaw, which will showcase the short stories of 27 winning teams. [Available on Amazon]
- Six Word Wonders Book 6: inclusion in the latest collection of stories, poems, memoirs and jokes, told in only 6 words. [Available on Amazon]
- Creatures of Habit: An Ode to Oddity: inclusion in this international anthology that takes us on a journey to discover the rituals that make and break us. The Delivery - published by CultureCult Magazine and Press [Available on Lulu]
- Such A Loss:A Charity Anthology: inclusion as one of many international authors writing on the theme of "loss." - If Only I Could Say Goodbye - published by C.A. MacKenzie and MacKenzie Publishing [Available on Amazon]
- Reap: Flash Frights Book-One: inclusion in number one in the Flash Frights series, this unique anthology born from a captivating prompt: a zombie farmer cultivating a crop of human brains. The Scarecrow's Lament - published by Black Hare Press [Available on Amazon]
- Hex: Flash Frights Book-Two: inclusion in number two in the Flash Frights series, this anthology inspired by black magic and evil curses. Magic is Real! - published by Black Hare Press [Available on Amazon]
- Willow and Rose: Hawthorn & Ash Volume V: inclusion in this speculative fiction and horror themed anthology. The Penny-Candy Man and The Becoming of Brunhilda - published by Iron Faerie Publishing. [Available on Amazon]
- Fallen Angels Poetry Anthology: inclusion in Fallen: Fallen Angel, a charity anthology in which all proceeds are donated to Full Circle Farm Sanctuary, where animals are able to grow old. Three Poems About Four Places: two places that are not what they seem/ a place that is what it seems/ a place that does not yet exist - published by Jimmy Broccoli [pre-release available on Amazon Kindle]
- The World of Myth Magazine: 20 Year Anniversary Edition: inclusion in The World of Myth's first print magazine. Three stories included: When the Worm in the Mezcal Ain't a Worm (Horror), Potter and the Clay (Horror) and The Wrong Birthday Party (Sci-fi).
- 42 Stories Anthology Presents: Book of 42²: inclusion as one of 1,764 authors in this anthology of 1,764 forty-two word stories in the vein of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's" speculation on the number 42 as it pertains to the meaning of life, the universe and everything. That Time Wyatt Robbed an Innocent Cactus (western-themed), A Senior Varsity Linebacker's Gridiron Hoax (sports-themed) and He Became a Missionary for all the Wrong Reasons (Indigenous-themed) - published by MacKenzie Publications and edited by B.A. Mullin and the 42 stories anthology team [Available on Amazon]
Books and Anthologies - Coming Soon:
- Legends of the Night Drabbles 5: Spellbound: inclusion in this anthology dedicated to witches. love potions and spells. Salem's Donuts and a Whole Lotta Jazz and Love Potion Disaster - published by Black Ink Fiction. [release TBD]
- Curious Tales for Curious Folk: inclusion in the young adult horror anthology. Bamboozled: an Eco-Horror - published by House of Loki [release TBD]
- Year Six: Dark Moments & Patreon: inclusion in a culmination of all the nano-tales published in the Dark Moments online archive, and all the tales published on Patreon during 2024. Literal Potions - published by Black Hare Press Dark Moments. [release TBD]
- Fairytale Feasts: inclusion in this fairytales with recipes anthology for children ages 7-12. Chef Granny's Kitchen - published by House of Loki [release TBD]
Awards and Nominations:
- Nomination - September Post of the Month for The Last Storyteller - Spillwords (Congrats winner - Suman Pokhrel)
- Awarded - June, 2024 Spillwords' Author of the Month for The Case of the Missing Brougham
- Nomination - September, 2022 Author of the Month for Is There a Doctor in the House? - Spillwords (Congrats winner - Jan Sargeant)
- Nomination - June, 2022 Author of the Month for Reincarnation Trepadation - Spillwords (Congrats winner - Sharon Gay Frame)
- Nomination - March, 2022 Author of the Month for A Lover's Kiss - Spillwords (Congrats winner - Grace Y. Estevez)
- Nomination - November, 2021 Author of the Month for - Joseph and His Silent Friend - Spillwords (Congrats - Maciej Pająk)
- Nomination - June, 2021 Post of the Month on for Invisible Wounds - Spillwords (Congrats winner - poet Eva Marie Cagely)
Recognized Stories and Poems:
- The Lunch Crowd: Finalist in the Globe Soup October, 2024 Micro-fiction Challenge - Theme: Restaurant
- The First Flake: Finalist in the Globe Soup Historical Fiction Contest, 2024 - California Gold Rush Era
- The Last Storyteller: Nominated for Spillwords' September, 2024 Story of the Month
- The Breaking Point: Honorable Mention in the Annual Gwyl Anglesey Writing Festival Competition, 2024
- Choosing a Companion: Third Place Winner in Globe Soup Inspired by Art Competition, 2024
- The Wrong Birthday Party: Finalist in the Sci-Fi Genre in the Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #11 (March 2024)
- Two Deaths and the Devil: Round-One Finalist (top-ten) in The Great Clarendon House Writing Challenge 2024
- The Case of The Missing Brougham: Regency/Thriller, Finalist in the Globe Soup Genre Smash Short Story Contest (October 2023)
- Redeeming Angel Shaw: Finalist with Co-author Dawn DeBraal, a short story in the 2023 Owl Canyon Press Team Hackathon Contest.
- The Inkblot Ruse: First Place Winner in Globe Soup June, 2023 100-Word Theme Prompt: Perception
- When a Dirty Thief Steals Your Daughter: First Runner-Up in Globe Soup May, 2023 100-Word Theme Prompt: Enemies
- Viva Las Vegas, Baby!: Finalist in the Globe Soup October Micro-Fiction Contest (Theme: Luck)
- The Psychic: Finalist for Crime Fiction Genre in the Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #10 (July 2023)
- The Revival: Runner-up awarded Best of Genre (Satire) in the Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #9 (April 2023)
- The Delivery: Runner-up awarded Best of Genre (Gangster) in the Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #8 (January 2023)
- A Story Told A Thousand Times: Honorable Mention in the Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #7 (October 2022)
- The End of the Line: Beyond the Walls of Eden: Finalist in the Globe Soup 2022 Short Story Competition (August 2022)
- The Haunting of a Cracked Window: Honorable Mention / paranormal Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #6 (July 2022)
- Love and a Three-Layer Cake: Finalist in the Globe Soup 7-Day Story Writing Challenge #5 (April 2022)
- Bella-Strange: Ruby Award Winner - magical realism story published in Jewels in the Queen's Crown: Best of the Best
- How to Escape a Monster: Round-1 Finalist NYC Midnight 100-Word Micro-fiction Challenge 2022 / progressed to Round-2 with When the Worm in the Mezcal Ain't a Worm. (June, 2022)
- Invisible Wounds : Finalist in the WOW! (Women on Writing) Q4-2019 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
- A Brown Beauty: Round-1 Finalist NYC Midnight 100-Word Micro-fiction Challenge 2021 / progressed to Round-2 with Back to the Drawing Board. (June, 2021)
- Little Notes Everywhere: Finalist in the WOW! (Women on Writing) Q1-2021 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest
- Redemption: Round-1 finalist NYC Midnight 250-Word Micro-fiction Challenge 2021 / progressed to Round-2 with Te Amo, Mi Amor.
- What You Can Do in 8 Minutes and 46 Seconds: Awarded second Place in the WOW! (Women on Writing) Q4-2020 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest.
- Big-Red-Truck and a Purple Leash: First place in round-one of an online June-2020 Image Prompt Contest.
- This Poem’s Not Funny: Runner-Up in an online monthly poetry prompt (May 2020 Poetry Contest-Humor).
- A Lover's Kiss: Finalist in the WOW! (Women on Writing) Spring-2020 Flash Fiction Contest
E-Zine Publications:
- Speed-Date Night at the Senior Center: publication on 101 Words (10/16/2024)
- The Last Storyteller: a featured story on Spillwords (9/8/2024)
- The Wrong Birthday Party: publication in World of Myth September, 2024 20th Anniversary Edition [free download]
- When the Worm in the Mezcal Ain't a Worm: publication in World of Myth September, 2024 20th Anniversary Edition [free download]
- The Rescue Pup: publication pending on 101 Words (6/11/2024)
- A Conversation Regarding the Effects of 'Shrooms: publication on 101 Words, (5/5/2024)
- Literal Potions: publication on Black Hare Press Patreon (3/6/2024)
- The Nightly Ritual: publication on 101 Words, (3/30/2024)
- Unloading the Ring: publication on 101 Words, (12/12/2023)
- A Night in Gabriel's Pub: publication in Spillwords' Haunted Holidays Series (12/3/2023)
- Beware the Shadow w/photo, "The Shadow": a poem published as part of the Halloween Series on Spillwords (10/27/2023)
- Rake Season: a poem published on Spillwords (9/20/2023)
- The Dum-Dum Club w/photo, "The Gum Spattered Traffic Sign": published on Spillwords (7/18/2023)
- Analysing a Film: published as part of the Black Hare Press Dark Moments Killer Penguins Series (April, 2023)
- Four Springtime Achoo-Haiku: published as part of the spring series on Spillwords (April 24, 2023)
- Magnetic Eyes: published as part of the Black Hare Press Dark Moments Anime Series (April, 2023)
- Beware the Thylarctos Plummetus Tour: published as part of the Black Hare Press Dark Moments Drop Bear Series (March, 2023)
- Christmas In Four Parts: a Featured Story in Spillwords Haunted Holidays Series (December 2, 2022)
- Thank You for Choosing BOSSJourneys: published in The World of Myth Magazine Sci-Fi (December 2022 Edition)
- The End of a Drought: published on The Drabble (November 6, 2022)
- Halloween Debauchery in 1984: published on Spillwords (October 28, 2022)
- Birds Just Wanna Have Fun: published on Black Hare Press - Patreon (October 12, 2022)
- Is There a Doctor in the House? published on Spillwords (September 9, 2022)
- Give a Man a Chicken: published on The Drabble (August 2, 2022)
- Let's Go to Red Lobster: a short memoir published on The World of Myth Magazine (August 2022)
- Reincarnation Trepidation: published on Spillwords (June 9, 2022)
- Black Ink Fiction June Horror Drabbles: The Choker (June, 2022)
- Black Ink Fiction May Horror Drabbles:The Gremlin's Bones, When a Hypnotist's Show Goes Quackers, A Fabled Transaction (May, 2022)
- Black Ink Fiction April Horror Drabbles: That First Cuppa Joe (April, 2022)
- Black Ink Fiction March Horror Drabbles: The Longest Night, Flowers From the Old Country and The Lesson (March, 2022)
- A Lover's Kiss: published on Spillwords (March 25, 2022)
- A Fungus Among Us and The New Neighbor: published on The World of Myth Magazine (March, 2022)
- Reclaim Planet Earth: Letters From the Home Planet - Ghost-written letters from Mother Nature regarding climate change
- Corpuscle Games: published on The World of Myth Magazine (February 23, 2022)
- Fred Learns a New Word: published on The World of Myth Magazine (December 24, 2021)
- This Endless Christmas Eve: published on Spillwords as part of the Christmas at Spillwords collection (December 21, 2021)
- Rig's Full'O Pigs: published on 100-word story (December 27, 2021)
- Margaritas and Scrambled Thoughts: published on Short Story Town (November 27, 2021)
- A Woman is...: published in the September/October 2021 print edition of Coping Magazine (breast cancer awareness)
- Joseph and His Silent Friend: published on Short Story Town (June 28, 2021) and Spillwords (November 4, 2021)
- Her Chair: video production, narration and music by Alan Johnson ( The Poets Lounge, June 2021)
- Till Death Do Us Part: published on Spillwords (August 27, 2021) and video production, narration and music by Alan Johnson (The Poets Lounge, Fandalism, June 2021)
- Invisible Wounds: published on Spillwords (June 1, 2021) and nominated for June Publication of the Month
- Little Notes Everywhere: published on Spillwords (March 16, 2021) and Short Story Avenue on May 11, 2021.
- Something About Stan: published as part of the Dark Nowhere Series, on Horror Tree and My NZ Dream Blog. (April 14, 2021)
- A Lover's Kiss: a video production, narration and music by Alan Johnson ( The Poets Lounge, October 2021)
- Consider the Lilies: published on a renowned international blog titled International Lockdown Journal (April 4, 2020) It was humbling to see my piece alongside stories of the pandemic experiences of others, submissions from the four corners of the earth—all sheltering in place.
- Chuck: Scare You to Sleep narration by Shelby Scott
- The Holly Berry Ritual: Weird Christmas Podcast Winner of the 2023 Weird Christmas Card Category [story at 45:45]
- The Haunting of a Cracked Window: Creepy Podcast 31 Days of Horror narration by Heather Thomas [Day-Six at 18:40 / October 6, 2022]
- Spillwords Author of the Month June, 2024 Interview
- The World of Myth Bits #272
- Featured Guest Poet with Jimmy Broccoli
- Spillwords Spotlight on Writers
- Black Ink Fiction's Women in Horror
- Interview on Great Books With Poppy
- Guest Author on The Writer's Journey Blog
- Contributing Writer Introduction for My NZ Dream Blog
- Interview on The Muffin
Upcoming Anthologies - Dates TBD
Chef Granny's Kitchen [Release TBD]
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Bamboozled: A Young Adult Horror [Release TBD]
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"Year Six: Dark Moments and Patreon" Literal Potions! [Release and Cover Reveal TBD]
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Journeys IV: Magic and Mystery Three Stories - "The Psychic," "Dry Ralph," "The Forbidden Spell Disaster" [Release and Cover Reveal TBD]
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"Legends of the Night: Spellbound"
Salem's Donuts and a Whole Lotta Jazz & Love Potion Disaster [Release and Cover Reveal TBD]
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Daughter Autumn Playing Volleyball in Texas [2020]
Autumn - "A Little Nighttime Guitar" [2020]
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Son Al Snowboarding in New Hampshire [2019]
Al - Kyoto Japan "Learning the Art of the Samurai" [2019]
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