Writing Prompt: Think of an alternative vampire that survives on something other than blood. Write a story or scene based on this character. With the faintest streak of orange edging the horizon and the sky fading from inky black to smoky blue-gray, a farmer turned from the window with a steaming coffee mug in hand. […]
They Came for the Corn (Writing Prompt Challenge) Read More »
She drains the last of her coffee from the dainty mug and sets it in the sink. Bills crowd the counter. She slides one into a drawer, as if hiding it might make it vanish. She takes one final look around the kitchen, then shuts and locks the door behind her. Outside, clouds hang low
In Her Time: The Young Woman Read More »
Ever wondered what it’s like to travel from the mountains of North Carolina to the peaceful shores of the Outer Banks? In this three-part series, I’m sharing the highlights from our recent family trip—cozy rentals, hidden gems, beach adventures, and, of course, food! Read more in Travel
Blog Series: “Mountains to Sea: A Family Adventure on the Outer Banks” Read More »
Curious about the OBX? Whether you’re in it for beachcombing, lighthouse history, or just a break from crowds, this stretch of protected national seashore is the perfect escape. After an 8-hour drive from our home in the mountains, we arrived in Salvo, a quiet town nestled between Nags Head and Hatteras, cats in tow. Our
As the story begins, we find ourselves spectators in a harrowing Viking ritual in the remote Orkney Islands of Scotland. The story then quickly transports us to modern-day London and the iconic British Museum. History collides with the present as Morgan and Blake find themselves caught in a supernatural whirlwind where past and present converge.
Day of the Vikings by J.F. Penn Read More »
On the morning in question, the oldest brother, Karl, was snoozing on his favorite park bench. Light snores drifted from his body—soft enough, if one listened closely, to be mistaken for the contented purring of a cat. Nearby, about ten yards due west, the middle brother, Archie, was partially hidden in the shadows of a
The Three Brothers (Chapter 2) Read More »
Springtime afternoon In the shade of the upper porch, Blue sky blends with Water in the near-distant view. Seagulls glide above, Scanning for scraps from beach-goers. White fences gleam Voices break through the quiet eve. A black dog trots past, Led by a man with leash in hand, Children in tow. They stroll along with
As someone who grew up in Asheville and has close ties to the Biltmore Estate, this novel resonated with me on a deeper level than most. I felt a strong connection to many of the physical locations depicted in the story, which made the setting feel especially vivid and meaningful. While I was unfamiliar with
These Tangled Threads by Sarah Loudin Thomas Read More »
