Weekly Book Giveaway Program

Whether you’re looking to escape reality or deepen your understanding of our world, dive into SOOP’s remarkable collection of tales!

 

Introducing SOOP’s Weekly Book Giveaway Program, a unique program available for anyone willing to support our talented writers and established authors in their publishing journey. Discover new amazing writers, vote on the ones you want to see published, and possibly win an exciting new read.

Become a supporter by pressing VOTE on your favorite stories and enter a weekly drawing to win books from our catalog of hot and trending releases without any entry fee.

ImageTitleShort Story GenresTagsSummaryDatehf:tax:story_genreshf:tags
‘GOLDEN’ By Temitope Omamegbe, , A father's excitement about the prophecy that his firstborn would bring honor to the family turns into dismay when the child doesn't meet his expectations. He rejects the newborn, leading to a series of unfortunate events. The child faces mistreatment, loss of his mother loses his mother, and eventually discovers a prophecy about saving the land at a great cost. Rejected by his father and ostracized in the village, Atanda finds solace when he falls in love with, but their forbidden love faces challenges. Eventually, he is chosen to fulfill a prophecy to save the land, and Iyabo ends up with his child who in turn is prophesied to bring justice and reveal hidden secrets. GOLDDEN explores themes of destiny, rejection, and the potential for a brighter future despite hardships. Atanda's journey is one of resilience and acceptance, and the narrative hints at the cyclical nature of fate and destiny.March 10, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘FROM MEMORY’ By Temitope Omamegbe, , In a gripping tale of mystery and supernatural intrigue, the story unfolds with a young woman experiencing a sinister act. The setting is a meticulously locked house, ensuring that no one escapes. The assailant revels in her dark actions with excitement growing with each second. The protagonist, Lanre, and his partner Beko, respond to a distress call and a seemingly straightforward murder investigation becomes increasingly complex as they uncover a series of gruesome deaths seemingly linked to a couple, Debo and Sewa Alison, who have defied the passage of time and appear unchanged over the years. As the investigators delve deeper into the case, the true nature of their case becomes more evident revealing the supernatural nature entities from another realm engaged in a rituals. The investigators, joined by a mysterious expert, are tasked with unraveling the dark secrets behind the ritual and stopping the malevolent beings. Unexpected twists abound surrounding Iluyomade who has no memory of his past. As the investigators grapple with many revelations, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. From Memory blends elements of horror, suspense, and supernatural intrigue. As the investigators confront the unimaginable, they must navigate a world where myths come to life and the boundaries between the human and supernatural realms blur.March 10, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘THE BRASS LION’S BRIDE’ By Temitope Omamegbe, , A town on the cusp of transformation, finds itself marred by conflict orchestrated by elite outsiders. At the center of the turmoil is Obikwe, known as the Brass Lion, who unwittingly becomes the leader of a militia defending his town against ruthless investors and engaging in conflict that escalates, claiming lives and poisoning the land. Fueled by personal tragedy and a desire for justice, Obikwe's three-year war reaches a boiling point, and a surprising demand, the woman he loves, who is already wed and a mother of four. Clara, caught in the crossfire of family and duty, becomes the linchpin for peace. The Brass Lion's Bride is a poignant tale of love, sacrifice, and the power of reconciliation. The once-chaotic town discovers hope and healing through the unexpected union of two souls, transforming its narrative from one of conflict to a story of redemption and resilience.March 10, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Good Morning, Morning! Hello…’ By Grammie Jas, , Jas was inspired by the birth of her first grandbaby baby in 2018 and of course the wonderful writings of "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown! Since then she just can't stop writing, fun, sunny sunshine stories! Good Morning, Morning! Hello... in her “Sunshine Series”, the first book writer Jas “Grammie Jas” Whitney will be about Sunshine, we are drawn in by basic morning activities like getting dressed, brushing one’s teeth and eating breakfast. As the story develops it becomes clear, this story secretly teaches life-lessons with engaging firstperson accounts of likes, dislikes and how to go through each day with a positive attitude. Despite a cloudy, rainy day the main character, who loves the sunshine, grabs her rain boots and umbrella and plays in the rain, all the while waiting for the sun to shine through. In rhythmic style, the writer demonstrates to children and adults alike, you can have fun no matter the circumstances—even when it seems to be a dark, dreary day and you never know, the sun just may shine through! Whitney’s second book (in progress) is about farm animals (entitled Pop Pop's Farm), then the series will continue with Good Morning, Morning! Hello…Tacos, Weather, Feelings and much more! She feels the number of books in her series can reach as high as the sky! Colorful and delightful illustrations further enhance the experience and imagination of the reader!March 9, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Adventures of Loli and Sky: Finding Harry’ By Lara Rosales, , Loli and Sky are two dogs, brother and sister, looking for their friend Harry, the cat.March 7, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Living Well with Cancer’ By thegurns, , After beating cancer (three times), life-threatening brain surgery (twice), and morbid obesity (just once but it was a heckuva battle), I feel better and healthier at 71 years young than at any time since I stopped playing hockey at 28! To find out how, please turn the page...March 4, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-health-wellness short-story
‘Being Six – Bolu Olopete’ By Beatrice Oluwaseun, , "Bolu's Adventures: Being Six" is a heartwarming tale set in late '90s Nigeria, following the adventures of Boluwatife Olopete, a spirited six-year-old boy. From playful interactions with his sisters to imaginative musings about the moon, Bolu navigates childhood with curiosity and resilience. His encounters with friends, family, and the world around him paint a vivid picture of innocence, wonder, and the timeless joys of growing up. Despite facing challenges like bullying, Bolu's unwavering spirit and dreams of the future shine through, making for a charming and relatable story of childhood in a Nigerian neighbourhood.March 4, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-biography short-story
‘Being Six – Bolu Olopete’ By Beatrice Oluwaseun, , "Bolu's Adventures: Being Six" is a heartwarming tale set in late '90s Nigeria, following the adventures of Boluwatife Olopete, a spirited six-year-old boy. From playful interactions with his sisters to imaginative musings about the moon, Bolu navigates childhood with curiosity and resilience. His encounters with friends, family, and the world around him paint a vivid picture of innocence, wonder, and the timeless joys of growing up. Despite facing challenges like bullying, Bolu's unwavering spirit and dreams of the future shine through, making for a charming and relatable story of childhood in a Nigerian neighbourhood.March 4, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-biography short-story
‘The Antelope’ By Beatrice Oluwaseun, , "The Antelope" is a gripping tale set in the village of Ipetu, where Oguntade returns from the future to stop the onset of his mentee, Laolu, from becoming a dangerous serial killer known as "the antelope." Oguntade, burdened by guilt for neglecting the signs of Laolu's descent into darkness, seeks redemption by intervening to stop his former pupil. With the help of Adio, a teacher in the village, Oguntade orchestrates a plan to send Laolu to seek psychological help from missionaries. As he prepares to leave Ipetu forever, having made a deal with the mystical entity Olokun to correct his mistake.March 4, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Brazil’ By E Eugene Jones Baldwin, , A middle-aged man obsessed with moths, describes his mother as a giant hawk moth. He recalls his childhood when Mother would sneak into his room at night and, using her probing moth tongue, went through his clothes, books, etc, looking for inappropriate material. Just as he is moving Mother to a trailer park, she accidentally blows up her house.March 2, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Veilwalker’s Labyrinth, or just Veilwalker’ By Sherry Leclerc, , NOTE: Names are tentative "Veilwalker's Labyrinth" is a captivating urban fantasy short story that delves into the uncharted realms of magic, mystery, and the thin veil that separates our reality from the fantastical. When Livia Vale, diagnosed with a supposed mental illness, discovers her unique ability to traverse between the human world and the enchanting realm of Eldrysta, she is thrust into a struggle for her identity, power, and the balance of two interconnected worlds. Guided by the mysterious Dr. Theron Obsidian, Livia must navigate the complexities of her newfound powers while uncovering a sinister plot orchestrated by the Obsidian Enclave, a cult-like organization seeking to merge Eldrysta with Earth. As Livia unravels the mysteries of her existence, she must confront her own fears, make sacrifices, and ultimately stand against the forces that threaten to shatter the boundaries between reality and fantasy. "Veilwalker's Labyrinth" is a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and the enduring strength found in embracing one's uniqueness. With a blend of dark intrigue, compelling characters, and a fantasy world that sparkles with enchantment, this short story promises readers a journey that transcends the ordinary.February 29, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Kids Day’ By anyjah jackson, , A Mysterious Fantasizing story about a group of elementary school pre teens having to embark together in leader ship positions in order to save and help the younger, their school and other schools. embarking a A HUGE faith journey for the very first time alone.February 28, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Here’s the Plan – First I’ll Kill Him, Then I’ll Kill Myself’ By Dave Lutes, , It was my first day on the job as a newly ordained minister. A father and son living together were at a crisis crossroads. The father was a long-term alcoholic and the son had called his sister to say he had reached the end of his rope and was going to kill his father, and himself, if the father wasn't admitted to rehab clinic by the end of the day. Social services needed to become involved - and the police, and other hospital authorities - bureaucracy hell! The son had a loaded gun. I had less than a day to try to solve the problem. Oh, and did I tell you...? This was my first day on the job.February 22, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Twin Horizons’ By Athos D. Lasso, , Hans is an arch psychic who has decided to witness and register strange events that are suddenly happening all across his universe. Something has started a chain reaction of reality altering events, and Hans is the only one who can do something to diminish their impact.February 16, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Missing Light’ By Ishma Ockerman, , October, 2017. The year that would soon change Calinskyn’s whole life. Getting called in on a new case, four girls had gone missing just two days earlier. The only thing the girls had in common was they lived in the same town. Wavemeet, Ohio. While working the case, Calinskyn and Sheriff Padalecki found out the case they were currently investigating had been connected to a case that went unsolved 3 years earlier. With only 12 hours to find the girls, Calinskyn and the Sheriff keep running into more dead ends. As they get closer to finishing the case, a new twist turns them back around to question whether they caught the right or wrong guy. Had there been a partner involved during the whole crime? Where might the case lead the officers? Will they find the girls before the time runs out or will they be too late?January 29, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Path to oblivion’ By Antonio Madrugada, , In "Path to Oblivion," Luna Park shares a chilling diary entry from a post-apocalyptic world in the year 3000. The narrative delves into the consequences of human actions, including nuclear warfare and the devastating effects of radiation. The protagonist reflects on the downfall of capitalism and the cyclical nature of history, highlighting the tyranny that arises when power goes unchecked. The story emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting the ever-changing nature of the world, shedding light on environmental concerns and the impact of human greed. Luna's perspective serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive path humanity may be unwittingly following.January 23, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘In a second’ By Riley Baker, , Love needs to be developed over time, but what happens when you realize it can be taken away in just a second?January 21, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Whippoorwill’ By Lauren Rosson, , A young school professor travels alone to a secluded area of woods in order to locate a rare omen bird to add to his gallery collection but ignores the dangers in finding it.January 19, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The Night Caller’ By Kris Martin, , Wendy never expected her night caller to be THIS person! I wrote this as a solve-it-yourself mystery and turned it in to a magazine in the hopes of publishing it. I hope your readers will enjoy it.January 13, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Mistaken Identity’ By Kris Martin, , Can the detective find the real thief? I wrote this as a solve-it-yourself mystery in the hopes of being published by a magazine. I hope that your readers will enjoy it.January 13, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Mystery Caller’ By Kris Martin, , The person at the other end is not who she seems. I wrote this as a solve-it-yourself mystery in the hopes of being published by a magazine. I hope your readers will enjoy it.January 13, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Hangman’s Noose’ By Kris Martin, , This story has an unexpected twist! Stay tuned! I wrote this as a solve-it-yourself mystery for a magazine originally. I hope that your readers will have fun with this one!January 13, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘My Poems’ By Kris Martin, , This poem is entitled Snow. I hope your readers will enjoy it.January 13, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘My Poems’ By Kris Martin, , This is a collection of poems I've written. They're short and sweet. This one is called Happy. Enjoy!January 13, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Remarkable Tiger ‘ By Triston, , My Story about a teenage boy who gets super powers from an unknown serum. The young boy gets turned into a teenage tiger boy who faces difficulties and villains during his time as a mutant tiger.January 9, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘A written account of Cleon the Grat: Mighty when least expected’ By Eric Weston, , A written account of Cleon The Great: Mighty When Least Expected Written by: Eric Michael Weston Narration: In this time and place, there is firm faith for everyone; every man and woman exercising their faith-based walk in life's pathways and obstacles. Everyone desires and prays for a champion, a hero, a powerful deliverer from pandemonium infesting this world. Powerful ones are bred, not from birth, not from privilege, but from rough experience, from the tides of all things crooked attempting them from every side. A week, even meeting a person, a random man, or woman not aware of the champion within, can do a wide measure of deeds about heroism. Story: A young man by the name of Cleon is a person who isn't well-versed in anything revolving around power and deities; Cleon is an ordinary and silent man with a calling to assist those in his path. The world is coming to a rapid final, and times are tough for all humanity. His story comes to life in the 21st century; Cleon is attending his own business, and whatever his hands can do, he does it. Cleon's beginning and monumental life start best on the coast of the eastern part of the United States. Violence, natural disasters, and pestilence are frequent. Cleon is sitting in his home near the coast, observing the waves; it dawns upon his being to turn on the TV; as he does, he hears pastors on the news urging all to adhere to spiritual writings, Bibles, and commentaries; Cleon is therefore astounded by the preaching of such things. He then recalls his elderly relatives attending church and memorizing scriptures for beneficial purposes. Evil is watching Cleon; the man evil dreads will take on prime evil to the tee without hesitation. Evil stirs up a violent storm, developing a dreadful and tormenting hurricane. The hurricane is embedded with spirits, violent and tormenting spirits dating back to the earliest ages of Earth's history. Cleon, as he peruses the sacred texts, sees deep wisdom and defense against particular instances. Cleon takes the time to learn the texts according to the circumstances; Cleon comes to know and trust that all things are possible and done to them that possess courage and offense. The multitude of spirits unify in the hurricane, forming horrid faces, and cries unknown to man's ears. In time, the evils that we are now within Cleon's awareness. Cleon, now boosted with all virtue to illustrate it all into effect, solemnly approaches the hurricane from the coast. "Cleon, O, Cleon, young and mighty Cleon, wit and might are your hands and will, indeed it is you who shall wipe out havoc, it is unto you, O, Cleon to gird up and take it to the opposition to usher it's defeat." The hurricane. Is as if it knows its own. Now, a morbid face forms in the hurricane, uttering in a horrible tone Cleon's name; the great young man named Cleon raises his head, hands to the sky, he says, " I know Thou didst assign me with power to throw away the tempest." The One who chooses men and women to become renown is beckoned; the face-off is the climax of this passage. Light, endowment, and might now uphold Cleon, but he's unaware of it. The unclean spirits, even more in the horror of chosen Cleon; Cleon peer fiercely at the approaching hurricane and say, "Thou wave, lo, thou art but a matter for the time being, by ane in the name of The Command, die tempest! And come forth never again !" This, Cleon preserved a minute of lives from death when the hurricane obeyed and dissolved backwards. After this act from Cleon, the young and mighty man did more for those in his way than he'd ever believed. Witnesses on earth and heaven bear record of Cleon. On earth, his name is etched in stone, in the heavens, his name goes arranged in stars by The One. Glory and might always be attributes towards The Divine, by this will all come to the knowledge that it is He who always and perfects His ways in minimal man; renown are they who are the least expected, mighty when least expected.January 8, 2024Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Good Morning Morning, Hello… SUNSHINE!’ By Snazzy Jazzy Jas, , I've been writing as long as I can remember. Whether it was journaling, speeches, greeting cards, poems, songs or short stories. I was inspired by the Birth of my first grandbaby baby in 2020 and I just can't stop writing, fun, sunny sunshine stories! All my short story books, (I have two completed so far) will start with this title, and will be part of my "Sunshine Series". My 1st book is about Sunshine. 2nd book is about Farm Animals, Then Tacos, Weather, Emotions etc. I have several subjects started and the number of books in my series is unlimited! You'll have read the 1st page to see who or what I'm saying "Hello..." to! Thank you for sharing my Joy, with all ages!December 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Crime and Punishment’ By D.L. Jennings, , In an AI-driven future, suffering is a thing of the past: machines have determined that only a finite amount of suffering exists, and criminals serve out their sentences for the good of mankind. But what is the true extent of pain one can undergo for the good of one’s species? And what if all it took was one man?December 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Love’ By Catherine Gill, , My idea of what love should be; what it should FEEL like.December 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘A glimmer of hope among everlasting chaos’ By Kyler Gray, , Go into the mind of a detective as he scans the evidence of a murder investigation of a brutal crime scene, determined to bring justice to the culprit behind the crime and any others that come forth beyond the current one.December 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘The Witness of Never’ By JC Whitfield, , After losing her husband to the black virus--Cancer--Connie Van Schidt seeks the help of two vampires to break into a prison facility to obtain the body of her love before the mad scientists can turn him into a slave to their army of synthetic humanoids.December 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Odyssey of the Astral Nomad’ By shamel bazadough, , Embark on an epic journey in "The Odyssey of the Astral Nomad," where renowned astronomer Professor Aurelia Stonewind discovers an ancient Astral Compass, setting the stage for a cosmic adventure. Guided by celestial alignments, a diverse team of adventurers ventures through enchanting realms, facing trials of reflection, mastering Aetheric Manipulation, and confronting shadows within. As the Astral Compass unveils prophecies and impending catastrophes, the team must forge celestial weapons and make sacrifices to save the multiverse. With a cosmic entity at the Convergence Point and a celestial rebirth at the Eclipsed Horizon, this odyssey weaves a tale of sacrifice, legacy, and infinite beginnings, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of the cosmos.December 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘Nightmares of Nyx’ By Syren, , Nyx used to be a lost soul, wandering through the land where dreams are, angry and alone. She was known throughout the dreamscape as a savage warrior, a bringer of chaos, and a powerful sage. With no memory of who she was or why she possessed her strong abilities, dreams used to be scary, confusing, and lonely. Nyx finds her purpose in the carnage of a burning battlefield when she stumbles upon a crying child. The child is the spirit of a dreamer, who finds himself in a nightmare each time he falls asleep. Nyx knows she has to help him, and she begins a journey teaching more and more children as she goes how to defeat their nightmares and navigate through the dream world. Based on wickedly deep nightmares I've had myself, Nightmares of Nyx is a story that is not only captivating and deep, but also engaging in a way that it's readers can use Nyx's dream world strategies of manifestation, focus objects, awareness, and thought re-direction in their own dreams. Nyx gently guides each small soul she encounters through their darkest struggles- mental illness, trauma, bullies, parents, and more - and helps them understand the terrifying monsters they face in their dreams are important indicators of the ways our daily challenges are really affecting us. And of course they also kick it's butt! Someday I hope to be able to encourage young readers to write letters to Nyx if they are struggling with a nightmare and then be able to read along as she defeats it.December 3, 2023Voteanthology-program short-story who-will-save-the-hero-tales-of-chosen-ones-slaying-the-demons-within
‘Realizations that are hard to understand’ By Keith Burkholder, , Connor's mind continued to work even after a coma.November 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Heightened Awareness’ By asignaturewriter, , The ethics of the rich drive a wedge in the passion between a wealthy investment advisor and her young personal assistant on a quiet night in her midtown Manhattan penthouse.November 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Traveling through a Snow-globe: A Cross-country Tale’ By L. B. Grata, , This is a nonfiction tale of two people trying to move across the United States in the middle of December. The two main characters are a husband and wife who had lived apart for a year and a half due to their careers. They are finally able to be together if they move from PA to Seattle with their 5 animals. What they didn't realize was the winter vortex of 2018 was about to hit.November 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-travel short-story
‘“The Pearl Handled Grip”’ By Frits Fairhurst, , A red-haired gay man in his young thirties had made a solid commitment to care for his Dad. Acquiring a hard drug habit overseas in Okinawa after the Vietnam War ended, his pop knew how devoted his son felt. Angry because his partner spent too much time caring for his Dad his lover Amitri began to argue about his commitment to his drugged out father. They right there and then decided to separate breaking up their monogamous relationship. Tea knew he would return to his home in Kansas eventually to check on his Dad. At present he packed his bags to head to India on a meditative quest. It was in the middle of the Ganges River in India when Tea visualized such vivid recall of his uncle’s accidental suicide. As a young soldier before he married his dad had just finished his term of duty in Vietnam. He was deeply in love with his hometown sweetheart back in Kansas, infamous tornado country. Back on his family’s farm, when he was only nineteen, he had spied a sparkling shiny pistol with a pearl handled grip in the window of his town’s general store. He had to have it. Returning to his family farm he asked his father if he could purchase it. His mother wary about violent weapons interjected on the spot. She said no that there were enough guns around the home. Meanwhile he had already purchased the pistol. At that very moment he held it tightly under his right arm pit. His younger brother asked him what was in the cedar box that he placed on the living room’s coffee table. He told his brother that it was a gun he bought against his parents approval. Being a young rowdy teen, his brother opened the box and started handling it as he sat at the dining room table. His older brother tried to wrangle it away from him. Pointing the pistol directly at the middle of his chest his kid brother pulled the trigger. A bullet hit its target dead-on smack dab in the middle of his heart, bleeding out all over the dining room floor. Grabbing the cedar box with the pistol, he ran out of the house away from his family farm with nothing but the clothes on his back. In Okinawa on the day of his discharge an old Japanese man had sold him a strand of remarkably exquisite pearls. These he gave to his betrothed. Tucked into the box of the pearls were several white packets of strong heroin. His wife knew he had an addiction but remained faithful to her hard working husband for thirty years. Divorced and downtrodden his hard core drug usage nearly killed him when Tea his only son visited him back in Kansas after hus divorce. By dragging his dad’s ass into the cold shower he had saved his life. Over in India Tea began to meditate more and recite Hindu prayers. On his return home he found his old partner waiting for him at his Massachusetts loft space. There at the door his man placed those pearls his father had given to his mom, over his head to adorn his chest. They smiled realizing they never would ever part again. Back in Kansas his father resides at a flea bag motel. Among the cocaine and amphetamines on the dusty kitchen table rested the cedar box holding his abhorrent obsession an attraction that had determined his destiny forevermore. This is the take of …” the gun with the pearl handled grip.November 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘Green Thumb’ By DML Meyer, , All Henry was hoping to do was help out his elderly neighbor for a few weeks. Who knew nature would be at the root of so many headaches? It was hard to imagine a way of explaining himself out of this mess!November 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘The Pearl Handled Grip’ By Frits Fairhurst, , A man becomes addicted to hard drugs when a packet of white powdery substance comes with the pearls he bought for his wife in Okinawa, Japan after his tour of duty innVietnam. His only son embarks on a relationship with his father regardless of his addictive personality. His mother shared with her son just how she dealt with his substance abuse for over thirty years, it all started by him buying the gun with the pearl handled grip against his parents desires. Throughout his life in Kansas his family had saved themselves from the fiercest most destructive tornadoes. Now the tornado of his self-destruction settles within him as he keeps that weapon of death always within his eye sight. Going against his parents wishes caused the death of his younger brother who accidentally fired the weapon a direct hit to his heart, thinking it was not loaded. His brother’s death is what drew him to hard drugs. Never can he forgive himself from the killing of his younger brother. Filled with unending guilt he self-excommunicated his presence from Kansas and his family farm. He joined the marines to make his way. His gay son will not forfeit his marriage to his man but will always see to it that his father stays in hospice. An argument about his commitment to his father’s live causes a separation between his partner and himself. As a result he plans a trip to India. His son realizes the truth that the death of his father’s younger brother was an accident. His son is the only family left in his life who does not judge him for his past faults! Love without violence is what his son and his partner choose to fulfill once the pearls that his father gave to his mother arrive mailed to his partner. Once his partner could not comprehend why he loved his father so. Yet in the end they reunite after his trip to India, where the revelation of his fathers behaviour in the accidental shooting of his younger brother. India’s beliefs in living within each moment honoring all life is the lesson he learned from his travels. It’s the blood filled moment of his uncle’s death that comes to his mind in the middle of the Ganges. Father and son along with his son’s partner watch over the obsessive need for his father to always keep the gun with the pearl handled grip: the killing weapon he revers for a male stereotypical belief that guns empower American manliness.October 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘A Creation of a New Cure for a terminal illness in a different world’ By Keith Burkholder, , Creating a cure for a terminal illness. This is what this story entails here.October 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Mika’s Leap of Faith’ By Jasmin Collado, , Mika is a determined 19-year-old Japanese girl training to compete in a dangerous skyscraper climbing competition called Best Gecko Pads: Tallest Tower. The winner will receive a scholarship to help achieve their dreams. Mika has trained relentlessly for this competition on August 14th, 2037 and is confident she can win, despite the other ruthless competitors like Joshua who will do anything to sabotage the competition. On the day of the event, Mika double-checks her gear and prepares to make daring leaps up the tower. She almost slips to her death but is saved by her safety ropes. Joshua struggles at first but it's a bluff to get Mika to help him, and when she does he pushes her off. Though frustrated, Mika gathers her courage to keep climbing. She makes another bold leap up the tower, nearly catching up to the treacherous Joshua. Despite the setbacks, Mika is determined to out-climb the others and win the scholarship for her engineering dreams.October 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Queen of the Kingdom’ By Jasmin Collado, , Amelai, one of the diseased, decides to leave the safety of her people to venture into the city. She hopes to find work and blend in, as well as bring back the scarce resource of bread. Amelai now must balance her loyalties to her people and animals with her tenuous place in the kingdom. Her magic may protect her, but it could also lead to her downfall if she upsets the social order.October 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Expedition of Yira’ By Haley M. Forté, , In the deep expanse of space, a violet planet hung idly between two moons. Dr. Tal Ashr is on a mission to discover the mystery that surrounds the planet of Yira, a distant world that has sat dormant for centuries. Or so some believed. When Dr. Ashr recruits his cousin Kol, a former solider of the Galatic Forces, and Dr. Anson Moreau, a professor of Galatic History, the trio ventures to the planet's surface in search of a legend. What they find may not be simply just a rumor after all.October 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘can I invade your space’ By brandi, , poems can I invade your space? can I upset your peace of mind? will you allow me to corrupt you if I keep you as all mine? will you show me softness when the world only knows your strength? can I be your secret weapon to protect you at any length? will you come to me and trust me when life seems to fight against you? will you let me help with any battles that are thrown out to prevent you? can I help you overcome your insecurities and doubt? if I show you what it means to have a love that holds real clout? can I hold you thru the night? can I compromise your dreams? will you calm me when the the nightmares creep help me to quiet these subconscious fiends? can I whisper in your ear all the ways that I adore you. will you help me learn to trust myself til I know that I'm the best one for you? will you teach me what I need to know about your body, soul and mind? will you stay up late to laugh with me? will you always hold me when I cry? can we play dirty in the bedroom? can we always try to fight clean? can we promise not to let the world separate or come between? can I make you laugh and be flirtatious when the situation becomes oppressing? will you stand and know I've got your back when everything seems too depressing? will you take me thru this life with you? will you find me in the next? will you keep me as all yours forever? can you promise nothing less? __________ ____________ _____________ I want to write a poem on your body with my lips I want to paint on you a dream using just my finger tips let me build for you a fantasy where we live up with the constellations where we exist and reign together without any limitations. let my soul entwine with yours come move into these unfilled places let me feel you breathe inside of me erase the nightmares and hollow spaces and now dance with me... amongst these petals made of flame caress me to my depths... until I am breathless by your name let me ignite you... setting loose the sparks within your mind but give me a sword, and hold my crown, I'll protect you for all time! spin me a web of promises... with the silk to lay our bed. lay with me and loves on me passion made on every thread. let your doubt be like a wisp of smoke for with a wave it disappears. let my lips bring you poetry, let my tongue catch all your tears.October 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Only One Can be Faithful’ By J Prose, , The story is about the challenges women face in dating when it comes to attention, temptation and indulgence. It is challenging because everyone loves joking around but no one likes to be the butt of others jokes. It is like asking a man to stop gossiping but, you are a woman! Meaning you actually believe women are allowed to gossip but men are not. This is a late entry. I will enter again next year to post the rest of the story.October 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘The Big Snow’ By Charles Wiegand, , It's been snowing cats-n-dogs and the stuff has piled up to one's knees. The girls want to go out and play in it, but Mom and Dad won't let them because of the late hour. The next day school is canceled but Dad still has to go to work. He gets there and finds the building empty. He later goes out for lunch, only to find all the restaurants and other businesses closed and empty. The town plaza is empty, the streets are empty, there's nobody anywhere in sight. He finishes his work and starts his way through the snow to his home, feeling uncertain about what he'll find - will his family be there? Or will the house be as empty as the rest of the town appears to be?October 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Cherry Red’ By Brianna Whitener, , Step into the memories of a man who longs for his past love. A love with the potential to last a lifetime if it weren’t tainted by alcoholism and an ultimatum. Instead he finds himself trying to move on only to be haunted by the cherished moments of a lingering love.September 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Bumpty Bumpty Ben’ By Cede Rubin, , A story of true love.September 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘ “The Midnight Caller” ‘ By Samiya Khan, , Chapter 1: A Chilling Message The city of Darkwood was known for its grim history, a place where secrets festered in the shadows and nightmares lurked around every corner. In this eerie setting, Detective Alex Monroe received a call that would plunge him into a case unlike any other. It was a rainy night when his phone rang. The voice on the other end was distorted, the words spoken in a low, haunting whisper. "I know what you did, Detective. I've been watching." Alex's heart raced as he tried to identify the caller. "Who is this? What are you talking about?" The voice continued, "You thought you got away with it, but the past always catches up”. Chapter 2: A Dark Secret Alex couldn't sleep that night. The chilling message had awakened memories he had long buried. Years ago, he and his partner, Sarah, had been involved in a case that had gone horribly wrong. A dangerous criminal had escaped justice, leaving behind a trail of bloodshed. Sarah had disappeared soon after, and Alex had been haunted by guilt and unanswered questions ever since. He had always suspected that someone within the police department had betrayed them, but he had never been able to prove it. Chapter 3: A Race Against Time The ominous calls continued, each one revealing more about the past Alex had tried so hard to forget. The caller seemed to have an intimate knowledge of the case and an eerie ability to predict Alex's every move. As the body count began to rise, it became clear that the killer was recreating the crimes from that fateful case. Desperate to stop the madness and clear his name, Alex delved into the dark underbelly of Darkwood, searching for clues that would lead him to the truth. Chapter 4: Unraveling the Mystery With the help of an enigmatic hacker named Lily, Alex uncovered a web of corruption and deceit within the police department. The killer was someone with a personal vendetta against him, someone who wanted to expose the truth about the case that had destroyed so many lives. As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, Alex realized that the key to solving the mystery lay in confronting his own past and facing the demons that had haunted him for so long. He had to track down Sarah, the only person who could provide the answers he needed. Chapter 5: The Final Confrontation The trail led Alex to an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Darkwood. There, in the flickering light of a single bare bulb, he finally confronted the killer, who turned out to be a former colleague driven mad by the secrets of the past. A tense standoff ensued, with Alex trying to talk the killer down while keeping a gun trained on them. In the end, it was a heart-wrenching confession that shattered the silence. The truth about that fateful case was laid bare, and justice was served, but at a heavy cost. As dawn broke over Darkwood, Alex stood alone in the cold, empty warehouse, haunted by the events of the past. The chilling caller was silenced, but the scars of the past would never truly heal. The city of Darkwood may have seen the end of one nightmare, but in its shadows, others still lurked, waiting for their time to emerge.September 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘”Love on the Seaside”‘ By Samiya Khan, , Chapter 1: A Chance Encounter The sun hung low over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil seaside town of Harbor Cove. Sarah, a young woman with chestnut hair and a smile that could brighten the gloomiest day, had returned to her childhood vacation spot for a much-needed break from her busy city life. She had always found solace in the sound of crashing waves and the salty breeze that filled the air. As she strolled along the wooden boardwalk that lined the beach, her gaze was drawn to a man sitting alone on a bench, his eyes fixed on the vast expanse of the ocean. He had a rugged charm about him, with a tousle of dark hair and a strong jawline. His name was Daniel, and he was a writer in search of inspiration for his next novel. Their paths crossed when a sudden gust of wind sent Sarah's hat tumbling to the ground. Daniel was quick to retrieve it, his fingers brushing against hers as he handed it back with a warm smile. "You dropped this," he said, his voice like a gentle sea breeze. "Thank you," Sarah replied, feeling a blush creep onto her cheeks. She couldn't help but notice the intensity in his eyes. There was something magnetic about the stranger she had just met. Chapter 2: A Shared Connection Sarah and Daniel's chance encounter soon evolved into daily meetings on the boardwalk. They would share stories of their lives, their dreams, and their love for the ocean. Sarah, an aspiring marine biologist, was fascinated by Daniel's tales of his adventures as a writer. She admired his passion for capturing the beauty of the world through words. In return, Daniel found himself captivated by Sarah's intelligence, kindness, and the way her eyes sparkled when she talked about the wonders of the sea. He felt a connection with her that he had never experienced before, as if their souls were intertwined by the same ocean that had brought them together. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, Daniel mustered the courage to ask Sarah out for dinner. She accepted with a smile that felt like a promise of new beginnings. Chapter 3: Love Blooms Their first date was at a quaint seafood restaurant overlooking the harbor. Candlelight danced on their faces as they shared laughter, stories, and plates of freshly caught lobster. The hours melted away, and it felt as though they were the only two people in the world. Days turned into weeks, and Sarah and Daniel's love blossomed like a seaside garden in full bloom. They spent their mornings watching the sunrise, their afternoons exploring hidden coves, and their evenings sharing dreams and aspirations under the starlit sky. But it wasn't just the picturesque setting that deepened their love. It was the way they made each other feel alive, the way they inspired one another to chase their passions, and the way they found solace in each other's arms. Chapter 4: Facing the Storm As the summer drew to a close, a storm began to brew on the horizon, mirroring the turmoil in Sarah and Daniel's hearts. Sarah's responsibilities in the city beckoned her back, while Daniel was torn between his love for her and his need to find inspiration elsewhere. One stormy evening, with rain pelting against the windows of their beachfront cottage, they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Daniel spoke, his voice trembling with emotion. "I don't want to lose you, Sarah, but I also can't bear to hold you back from your dreams." Tears welled up in Sarah's eyes as she took his hand. "And I don't want to leave you, but I know I have to follow my heart." Chapter 5: Love's Promise In the midst of the storm, they made a pact to support each other's dreams, no matter the distance that separated them. Sarah returned to the city to pursue her career as a marine biologist, while Daniel continued to travel in search of inspiration for his novels. Their love, tested by the miles that separated them, only grew stronger with time. They wrote letters, shared late-night phone calls, and counted the days until their next seaside reunion. Their love story became a testament to the power of love and the beauty of following one's dreams. And every summer, as the sun set over the tranquil seaside town of Harbor Cove, Sarah and Daniel would reunite on the same boardwalk where they had first met, their love as enduring and boundless as the ocean itself.September 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘There’s Nothing In The Woods’ By Skylier Jones, , A friendly camping trip goes wrong in this thrilling horror.September 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Chasm’ By Skylier Jones, , Adam, the First Man, and Adam, The Last Man, collide in this epic Science Fiction Masterpiece.September 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Red Dress’ By Phillip Hoehr, , A woman finds herself in a mysterious ballroom during a masquerade. She has to find out what is happening before it is too late.September 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Phoenix and his Act of Courage’ By Keith Burkholder, , This phoenix is powerful and can save lives on planet Earth. It is known for its total greatness and overall abilities.September 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘The End From The Beginning’ By E.Allen Roge, , What stops you from fulfilling everything you are meant to do in life? I can show you that it's simpler than you have ever imagined. In these pages, you will find the principles that God himself uses to accomplish all the things he has done or will do. God created you to be successful not a failure. Read these few chapters and you will understand that when you begin at the end of a thing, you bypass all the excuses and circumstances that were previously standing in your way.September 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘The Mistress’ By Francine Lee A, , Discarded by her parents and left to fend for herself at 14, Eris, now a middle-aged Mistress, is not just fighting to stay alive. She's fighting to become the leader of the rebellion, but can someone who appears to live a life of luxury convince the other half of the enslaved to side with her? TW: Sex Trafficking and ViolenceSeptember 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘Repairs’ By Elke Barter, , Her days are long and lonely, but she has found a way to fill her calendar with the names and numbers of men who, upon payment by check, are willing to come and share a quiet moment together. September 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Justice is Served’ By Scott Ludwig, , A prosecuting attorney takes advantage of his position as an agent for justice.September 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘The Pull’ By Isaiah Williams, , A boy who can see the supernatural tries his best to ignore those visions, but something keeps pushing him to warn others about them.September 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Female predator on the prowl’ By Keith Burkholder, , Linda goes on the prowl to get blood and flesh from her sexual escapades.September 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘White Lies And Lipstick ‘ By Jae Franklin, , College sweethearts, Kevin and Laila, have the perfect marriage. Kevin, an executive at a lucrative marketing agency, spends all his time investing in work -allowing Laila to be a stay home wife. Laila, although loves her husband, is secretly frustrated with her husband’s workload. She finds herself partaking in a secret, passionate romance with a young lesbian woman, Natalie. Natalie is a gorgeous dominant, feminine woman who possesses an undeniable love for Laila -but there’s much mystery to the young, exotic lover. As twist and turns unfold, a family is turned all the way around.September 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘There is Something At the Door’ By Tina Herranen, , Something lurks outside Wendy's home, but she has an unexpected ally.September 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Sex (Cells, Sells, Sales)’ By Terence Davis, , It's 2033, the sex industry is booming, and twins, Zeta and Zeus are trying to take over the business, globally. Sex runs the world and mastermind Dr. Zeta Philips has a plan to control the whole enchilada, with her genius brother, Zeus, they set out to control the industry and then the world.September 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘WORKING GRACE’ By Joshua O, , Once upon a time, in the small, picturesque town of Baale on Lagos Island, there lived a boy named Cherish who, for the early years of his life, seemed to have everything he ever wanted. His aged parents, Architect Tunde and Mrs. Adesewa, were affluent and provided for him with the utmost care. The house they lived in was a castle, and Cherish as a kid was showered with toys, gifts, and extravagant holidays. He had never known the taste of want, and the world appeared to be at his feet. But as time passed, life had a curious way of throwing unexpected challenges. The family fortune dwindled due to a series of financial setbacks. Cherish, who had grown accustomed to abundance, found himself facing a world he had never known before; a world of austerity. Cherish watched his parents' relentless dedication, and though he didn't fully grasp the gravity of their situation, he admired their unwavering determination Architect Tunde and his wife Adesewa struggled to maintain their lavish lifestyle as they went out to the banks for huge long-term loans using their house as collateral before their demise. Cherish's journey was challenging, and he often faced moments of despair. He encountered setbacks and disappointments, but he never gave up. His resilience and hard work began to pay off as he earned a degree in Computer science. As he looked back on his journey, he couldn't help but smile. Working Grace had finally brought laughter and prosperity back into his life. Cherish, once a boy who had known only abundance had become a man who had learned the true value of hard work, determination, and family. he had triumphed over adversity, proving that even in the face of the most daunting challenges, the human spirit could prevail.September 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘For the Love of Dogs’ By Angela Coulson, , After her marriage fails, Angie takes her family across the country for a fresh start. With a new job, a teenager and volunteering with her therapy dog, there's not much time for romance. With some help of her furry friend, Lily, she meets a man that makes her feel things she's not sure she's ready for. Will her fear keep her from taking a chance on love, or will fate keep throwing him in her path?September 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Stoneport Ghost Stories’ By Jennifer Bassett, , "Stoneport Ghost Stories” uncovers the layers of a neighborhood's history through the narrator’s memory as she delves into the memories of childhood innocence. A glimpse into a past where unity reigned, and the bonds between families were unbreakable. Until things took a darker turn, revealing the shocking events that shattered the idyllic tranquility. Follow the reminiscing narrator through the tumultuous aftermath of a double murder that rippled through the heart of the close-knit Laotian American community. With each passing year, the neighborhood transformed into a ghost story itself, a haunting reminder of what once was, of the laughter, camaraderie, and shared moments that now exist only as echoes. "Stoneport Ghost Stories" presents a gripping exploration of how tragedy can reshape lives, redefine relationships, and leave an unforgettable mark on a place and its people. The narrator weaves together the threads of memory and loss, crafting a ghost story that transcends the supernatural, and digs into the enduring power of community, memory, and the lingering presence of the past.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Unpravaield justice!’ By Maria Alston.Inner city angel, , This story is about a young mother who raised 5 children alone & one day she went to pic them up from school to find out c.p.s.took them .5 years after slaving to get them back .The c.p.s worker admitted to lying on the paperwork to obtain the children...# I am her.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Fanciful ‘ By Bellakat, , Clients in an assisted living facility soon realize they are not alone when they discover fairies residing within their facility.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘GRANDAD WAS AN AIR RAID WARDEN’ By Anne Godden-Segard, , A short bio of my British grandfather who was an air raid warden during WW2 in Southampton, UK. He was a tough guy. He vowed that if the Germans landed on British soil, “I will go after them with my pitchfork." Years later I learned that he never owned a pitchfork.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Flex Out ‘ By Bobbie Bell, , A short story in which a young man finally understands why God told us to be kind and compassionate. When he thought he knew everything and realized he had a lot more growing and learning to do.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘As above, so below.’ By Bobby Bell, , Based on a true story. The reality of a relationship that was not meant to be.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘To Kvetch or To Kvell, That is the Kvestion’ By Phyllis Cohen, , An essay (hopefully humorous) to understand how Yiddish became so prevalent in American English.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Spectre’ By Crimson Skizz, , Waking in the dead of night, I notice things are not as they should. As I move through my mansion, reflecting on my past, I ponder who may be here with me-and what they are going to do once I find them.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Sweet Detriment down Corridors ‘ By Robyn Ginnie, , This story tells a mystical tale of a chemistry shared between two people. The story is written from the admirer’s point of view and surrounds an infatuation by a lecturer with one of his students, Lilea. After a series of fateful events, his infatuation is returned. This cosmic connection forms by means of fate and destiny. The love for the two people have for each other is both effortless and undeniable, beautiful and bittersweet.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Ruby and the Turbo Tree’ By Michelle Oakley, , Follow Ruby on a journey through a meadow, where she discovers a magical tree. This special tree grows something very different. Rather than flowers or fruit it grows kittens. Follow Ruby and her kittens on their adventures to Cat City.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Seventeen years asleep and the awakening’ By Deana Kiser, , Meet me: the real life Rip Van Winkle. No, I wasn’t literally asleep like him but I was asleep for many parts of my life for nearly two decades after an accident followed by debilitating chronic pain. It was not a painless restful slumber. In addition to pain it was filled with: opioid addiction, immobility, weight gain and obesity, clinical depression, and an reclusive existence … and then a single moment in time awoke me and propelled me to reclaim time and life. It’s been a physical and mental transformation while coming to acceptance that this nerve/pain disease is an unwanted companion in life I must co-exist. This is a journey of reconciling what was and dreaming new old dreams again versus the nightmare of the dark slumber now that I’ve fought and clawed my way back into the light of day Like Rip I tell my tale of the many years of sleep to all the village. I invite you in…August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Hoarder Bob’s Mom’ By Deborah Watts, , Bob's house and property was one of the worst hoarding nightmares I have ever seen. His 96 year mother died.. supposedly in a care home. That wasn't the truth he had her buried under a pile of hoarding crap to cover her up. He just did want to let her go. He thought people in other countries keep the dead bodies in the house. Eventually to hide the smell of he has to put her in ONE of his numerous freezers. Now the time it come to slowly clean up his horrific hoarding mess. Bob bought a meat grinder and ground up his beloved Mother. Bob repackaged his ground up dead Mom in big rotten hamburger packages and fed the rotten hamburger to the dogs. Then he dumped the rotten smelly package in the dumpster. Bob knew If anybody would encounter the rotten repackaged meat that looked unopened.. the smell would be blamed on the hamburger. No one would ever know.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The toils of man’ By Keairah Leftrick, , In the life of man, there are many joys and sorrows. There are trials and hardships as well as causes to celebrate. This is the lot man must contend with.August 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Wrong Target’ By Lana Bradstream, , People in Trier kept to themselves, but loved to know one another's business. They gathered information through watching, listening, whispering. Their eyes, ears and tongues descended on Thomas, a young man whose hands were sticky. Their vindictiveness and judgments took Thomas from a life on the streets to something much worse.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘God’s Plan’ By Grace Kerner, , A raw perspective of religion, faith, and loss through the eyes of a young girl named Ruby. As her questions and feelings about the afterlife and God persist, so do her home struggles, internal battles, and heartbreak; which help her come full circle on how to feel about the religion and ideas she was raised with.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
”Confessions of a non-Best-Selling Author’ By Thomas McKenna, , Can a somewhat computer-challenged Boomer navigate his MacBook Pro and the realm of indie publishing to fulfill a lifelong dream of creating his first book? Can he conquer those pesky copy/paste commands and those never-ending 'hard-returns?' Find out in Mr. McKenna's hilarious short-story, 'Confessions of a non-Best-Selling Author.'August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Daniel’ By Lorri Smalls, , The story starts from the perspective of Geneva Britt, a former high school sweetheart who's anxious to reunite with her unrequited love, Daniel Hall, at his book signing. Will the two of them get back together, or will they part for good?August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Shitty Day Sonnets’ By Michelle Lisan, , While Sonnets usually bring to mind the floral romance of Shakespeare, I prefer to give my complaints a jaunty meter so it feels less sad. But also, definitely more sad.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Why You Shouldn’t Flip Off Strangers’ By Liz Frame, , A dysfunctional family goes on a well intentioned vacation, but to there misfortune, after flipping off a stranger driving a semi, everything takes a turn for the worse. Will the family reconnect and resolve their feud?August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘The Toymaker’s Secret’ By Brianna DeLong-Brown, , 18 year old Juniper York is desperate for a new beginning where she can prove to the world she can make something of herself. That’s when she found a flier for Jack Robert’s toy shop. A nice little starter job is one foot in the right direction. Or….is it the start to something more sinister?August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Lady In Red’ By Rory McKenzie, , Home alone on her five-year anniversary, Erica resigns herself to another boring Friday night in. But when a mysterious package arrives at her door, she’s thrust into cryptic game of Simon Says, where losing could mean having her intimate secrets exposed.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The Collective Man’ By Corey Ramsey, , An impetuous act by a young scientist is seemingly responsible for near global genocide. He now races against the clock to save perhaps the only life remaining on the planet; himself and three reluctant companions.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Nine Months’ By Lana Bradstream, , In the not-too-distant future, victims of sexual assault have to endure further torture. If the assault results in pregnancy, they are not given a choice whether or not to carry. The women with enough value and money are given an additional choice - stay awake through it all or select an induced coma.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Zepeh Brotherhood’ By Christophe Willermoz, , An utopian world beneath Uluru which works directly with extraterrestrial civilisations.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Who Told You Life Was Fair’ By Karen Hontz, , A countries tragedy opens the innocent eyes of a ten year old girl, who learns that the good guy doesn't always win; changing her sheltered world of black and whites to an ambiguous grey.August 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Holiday Witch’ By Melissa Bowden, , Anandrea loved Halloween so much every year she would prepare for the next Halloween all year long she decoratied her lil cottage for the special changes of each mthAugust 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Simpleton And The Bronze Unicorn’ By Cass Hawkings, , Lucinda is the daughter of a blacksmith, but she and her best (and only) friend, Maria, are treated poorly because of their skills. Wanting to change the trajectory of their lives, Lucinda decides to spin wool on a spinning wool and with the help of her father, Papa Saz, creates a beautiful creature.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Silence ‘ By Monica Howard, , Recurring dream leads to a realization of infidelity and ends fatally.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Water in the Desert’ By Hannah Marie., , A small business owner flips the weakness in her body and emerges into a passion for cooking by growing a bakery. Baker Heather Dillard’s body rejects itself and she has a brush with death, but she refuses to let that stop her. She learns about healing through foods and shares her own recipes in books and baking. Her vision for the future continues to grow, and she refuses to submit to the conventional, striving to push beyond barriers.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Locust ‘ By Sibyl R Cooper, , The Chimera Programme was a scientific failure but a creative success. Scientist Dr. Glen Lanstern merged the consciousness of twelve writers with an animal of their choice to report on their experience outside of human thought under animal law. Unfortunately, the writers were all driven to madness and muteness once returned to human form, but they produced creative work about their experiences. From this failure, The Chimera Collection of Short Fiction was born. Author Gareth Harlow's contribution to the collection, 'Locust', is of great interest to the academic community. Reprinted frequently after the collection's initial release, scientists, anthropologists, and philosophers are still baffled by Harlow's contribution and continue their attempts to decipher the layers of his retelling.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Boy’ By Stephen Conrad, , Can a boy be born bad? Some kids get to be kids, others never will. In a world separated from the free world, kids who believe they're men commit grown up offenses. Some boys navigate what it means to be a man while having never been a kid. What can you learn about life if there's no one to teach you? What if your future hangs on the decision of one judge and 12 jurors? You begin life hoping for the best, but quickly find that all your hopes, dreams and desires have slim chance of ever becoming reality. For boys who are not yet men, hope slowly fades a bit more everyday. There are no children here.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Watchers’ By Louis P Cervone, , The Watchers is a Trilogy of a world that may actually exist somewhere in the world hidden from mainstream view. While the locations of these unseen societies is vague the reader may find similarities to their own communities.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘The Watchers’ By Louis P Cervone, , The Watchers is a Trilogy of a world that may actually exist somewhere in the world hidden from mainstream view. While the locations of these unseen societies is vague the reader may find similarities to their own communities.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘There’s No Such Thing as a Bad Boy’ By Stephen Conrad, , Can a boy be born bad? Some kids get to be kids, others never will. In a world separated from the free world, kids who believe they're men commit grown up offenses. Some boys navigate what it means to be a man while having never been a kid. What can you learn about life if theirs no one to teach you? What if your future hangs on the decision of one judge and 12 jurors? You begin life hoping for the best, but quickly find that all your hopes, dreams and desires have slim chance of ever becoming reality. For boys who are not yet men, hope slowly fades a bit more everyday. There are no children here.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Death Stood in the Doorway’ By adriano garcia, , After years of escaping his bony hand, I have my final showdown with Death.August 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘S.A.D.A.C.A.B.A.C.O.B.O.T. Yeah, I’d want to know too!’ By Trace Ole’, , I'm going to vibrantly illustrate the crazy, cruel, hilarious, painfully honest way I have come to know and understand this life. It's with no exaggeration, a gripping tale that is seemingly foreign and yet very relatable. If I hadn't lived it myself, I'd swear it got ripped off from some fictional character made for TV. Tragic, Funny, Dramatic, Psychotic. All Truth, all Semantic, No Filter. Why? Because Somebody else out there is Constantly Blind-sided as well. I just don't want them thinking their alone.August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘ Sadacabacobot- Oh Yes, I’d Wanna Know Too.’ By Trace Ole’, , The idea here is to illustrate the challenges and difficulties facing many people today. From a sea of distractions to learning how best to live. I'd like to showcase many relevant and relatable problems that no prior generation has any experience with, hence no advice. The spotlight will focus on addiction in it's many forms, reminding everyone that hey, we are all on the same rock and basically need and want for the same things. So my intention is to lead the reader to walk down paths they may never have even considered, by dissolving that illusion many subscribe to; that they and their experiences are somehow more important than someone else's.August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Little Black Book’ By gloria lockridge, , When person's curiosity causes them to imagine all sorts of things and eventually leads them to explore. Their curiosity is satisfied when strange events are revealed to them..August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Masseuse’ By Scilla, , The ions and jolly masseuse came to work for the rich, old man, yet seemed to had ulterior motivesAugust 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘To the Father of Cats’ By BC Charles, , A young man leaves his family to try his luck in the untamed wilderness with a magical cat as his only companion. When his cat is injured he must determine what he will do to save her.August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Divine Intervention from Above ‘ By Paula Zahratka, , God in my lifeAugust 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Unexpected Love’ By Helaine Hunt Martin-Jack, , When you think all is lost, love blossoms out of pain and darknessAugust 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Memoir of Devil’s mind ‘ By Nettie Martinez, , The cruelty of a Dark Narcissist man to his supposedly love ones ... What I have done to you to deserve all this painful treatment that keeps over and over with your thoughts, your words and actions I remain with laceration in my mind, soul, and all over my body Over years past by... she was able to scape alive and successful reinitiate her wounded life.August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Angels posing as humans on planet Earth’ By Keith Burkholder, , This is about angels posing as humans on planet Earth.August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘The Murder Of Viola Beck’ By Cass Hawkings, , Murder victim Jocelyn Beck tells the story of how she helped to dig deeper into the mess of a mystery that is the murder of her grandmother, Viola Beck. Knowing she will need help, Jocelyn recruits Erin Naylor, the resident crime journalism student in their small hometown of Ernst alongside a crew of helpful townspeople.August 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Izzy’s Ink’ By Izzy Wilson, , I. Genesis...a poem about the inception of domestic violence and incest that shaped my young self. II. Consequence...2 poems about my return--despite helping hundreds of other women escape family violence as a social worker (and knowing and ignoring the red flags)--to submissively accepting multiple forms of abuse. III. Phoenix Rising..."The misogyny--that foot on my neck--held me down only till I was pissed enough to fight back tooth and nail!" --Izzy WilsonAugust 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Homecoming(from The Outsiders Adventures)’ By OSYM1, , This story, is a part of a collection of short stories, in a volume about 2 Brothers, that are mercenaries. They only do jobs for the benefit of society and good people. This story follows the Brothers in their early days of training, centered around the older Brother, Scott, who is having a training session with the Painted One, (P.O.) in their private dojo and home, in a secluded mountain, far away from society. They're suddenly visited by a former student, who brings good and bad news about an old friend of P.O.'s.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘Izzy’s Ink’ By Izzy wilson, , Collection of 3-4 autobiographical poems; one on being silenced, one on childhood abuse/family violence, one about a former domestic violence counselor who fell in love w an abuser.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Blink’ By Kevin Holmes, , These are what happens when the person blinks. Stream of consciousness bits in between.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Adventures of Abraxis and Graymite’ By Corpus, , There is a School that still burning Green Fire: the people are STILL BURNING AND SCREAMING. She has trouble bathing, writing and understanding many things, but she's one hell of a Conduit! The Contaminants are rising. Can Lady Abraxis and her team deal with inner demons, desires and their past at the same time?August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Die for me’ By Peter Lehmann, , True Tale of a boxer who won Gold in Olympic games, first for his country, turned professional and was killed in his championship fight. Die for me was the last words his trainer said to him as he entered the last round.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Die for me’ By Peter Lehmann, , True Tale of a boxer who won Gold in Olympic games, first for his country, turned professional and was killed in his championship fight. Die for me was the last words his trainer said to him as he entered the last round.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘BTW No Judgement!’ By Sarah Hinkes, , recently read an article in the New York Times regarding the subject of coercive control. U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush spoke of her own personal experience with a “HIM”, and furthermore applauded Scotland, while admitting that the United States has a lot of catching up to do to take this very serious reality, and make it a true criminalized act. It’s time I’m brave enough to share my own journey. As you know from reading this, I am 3 out of 10 that got out, I am still today 1 out of 10 that SURVIVED! If my story helps just one woman see the signs before the abuse, then all of this will be worth it. This was written at that time. I am open to a larger project but it has taken me seven years to get this far. In the last three years between open heart surgery for an aortic aneurysm, and in June of 2020 a brain craniotomy due to a rather persistent meningioma. Meeting and escaping “HIM” was the most intense and terrifying experience of my young life of 42 years. For these past seven years I have let myself recover physically, emotionally, and in some cases spiritually. I have built walls around me, and over time trusted family, friends, and recently a significant other to at times break through. I am still amazed at how much I tend not to trust when in fact I have the best of intentions to do so. Even though I am not broken, I have won, I do not believe that there will ever be a moment in my life when I will ever feel truly free. That is what this does to you, so let’s together help anyone out here who has or is in this situation, give them a voice, give them strength, respectfully I am still alive, still healthy luckily, so I have to believe that this truth is meant to shared. Thank you for your consideration.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Cuckoo Clock ‘ By Sarah Hinkes, , This has been destined as similar to The Tell Tale HeartAugust 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Adventures of Stripey the Fish! ‘ By Sarah Hinkes, , Starlight, a blue fish that shone bright like the stars, swam over to see what’s the matter with her friend Stripey. She listened and agreed that something must be done to help him. Starlight called the other fish together for a fish emergency meeting. Stripey spoke about how sad it made him feel that all the other fish in the tank had a brother, or sister fish that was of their kind. Stripey also explained that he was all by himself, and we wanted to believe that somewhere out there, his family was waiting for him. With his fin, he pointed to the sky up above Lewis’s fish tank that expanded out over a vast, big, and new world. The meeting was very promising, all the other fish promised to help Stripey find his family. All through the week the fish saved bits of fish food for Stripey, Starlight helped to make a sack out of seaweed for Stripey to carry things in. One very big problem remained. Once Stripey was out of the tank, he couldn’t swim in the air, what was a fish with fins, gills, and fishy eyes to do?August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘A Pond’ By Dan Amego, , He was worn down to the end because of the isolation from the sickness. She talks him out of it.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘The Toy’ By Zack Golden, , a young man named Elijah grapples with thoughts of his parents' absence, adulthood, and his own sense of self. Amidst mundane actions like making coffee, reading, and observing strangers, the story takes an eerie turn as Elijah's mind drifts to disturbing fantasies involving violence and self-harm. His isolation and unease intensify when he hears knocking at his hotel room door, leading to a heightened paranoia.August 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Crowned Heart (Beauty and the Beast Twist Tale)’ By Lindsey Weaver, , “Crowned Heart” is a retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. The character of Beauty is actually the Beast, this is a gender bend with the female character being important. Cordelia is the main female character that is the antagonist and protagonist of the story. The character of the Beast is not the same either with him this time being the merchant son with a good personality. Rey, he plays an important role with helping Cordelia with self-discovery and finding a support system that is a family for the characters. The bond that the two form though is almost like family, the two becoming close with one another but not really falling in love.August 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Creature Feature’ By Regina MacIntyre, , A free-wheeling high school graduate runs out of money and takes a job at a drive-in theater in the middle of the desert, only to become the feature for the creatures that go there.August 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Take me home’ By Christina Robertson, , Suffering childhood trauma from a mentally ill father. Journey through my life of emotional abuseAugust 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Being Kind is Free’ By T Robert, , Life is full of surprises.August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘A Moment in Time ‘ By Deb Myers, , Indira is raised in upper echelons of society and becomes the First Lady of the tropocal island of St. Tomas. Her charisma is unmatched and she is loved by the people. Her interest in learning local dance moves leads her to renowned dance troupe director Hanna. Their crossed paths threaten the first family and the outcome of an election on the horizon.August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘Peace Within’ By Lenny, , Story of a Female InmateAugust 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Peace Within’ By Lenny, , Story of a Female InmateAugust 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘poetry’ By Big AL, , This is a poetry submission. It's two poems, God's Sea and The Ship (397 word count).August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Wall of shame ‘ By Princess 👑 Envy, , The story of my life as a stripper and all around hustler getting to the bad. At the same time would love to serve God but the streets keep callingAugust 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘The Pain Reliever’ By Big AL, , John Simmons was re-ended by a drunk with no insurance. Now, he's lost his job, is drowning in debt, and addicted to Fentanyl. Suicide seems to be the only way out. Can John rebound with an epiphany that can save his life and his marriage? This short story addresses societies growing addiction to opioids, and the pain they can cause while trying to relieve pain...August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Gadsilly, the Giraffe that Ate Cleveland’ By David Giles, , A satire of modern culture and old bad moviesAugust 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Unlikely Heroes’ By Babie Kane, , In a bleak enslaved world an unlikely hero emerges from the very depths of mythology and our darkest nightmares. Can humanity overcome its fears to embrace what is likely its only hope for freedom? Is unity, peace and freedom a long dead dream or will the beast of our nightmares ignite our passion for life again?August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘Unveiling Possibilities: Embracing an Adult Gap Year for Career Transition and Freedom’ By Grayson McKinley, , Discovering how taking time off from your career can be a catalyst for personal growth, self-discovery, and embracing a new chapter of life filled with passion, purpose, and boundless opportunities.August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Heaven’s Warrior’ By Brianne Saunders, , A short poem about my mother’s fight with Lung Cancer. I hope this piece touches the hearts of those who have been through something similar. May their memory live on for as long as air fills your lungs. Just breathe. ************************ Heaven’s Warrior With shadow’s cast in fate’s cruel heart, A soul still young, withering apart. Your skin still smooth, not a wrinkle to see, If only Cancer never took you from me. The sickness spread fast; a disease of life, Only giving us all mere months to suffice. I cried as I watched your energy grow thin, As the medicine ate you up from within. Your long brown hair falling out on the floor, Blue eyes dimming, vibrant no more. Once plump red lips, now kissed too pale, I held on so tight, your body now frail. I prayed to God, take me instead, Yet every morning I woke up in bed. I was so angry, so hurt, so utterly torn, How could you take a mother, leaving children to mourn? I miss your smile, your laugh, your hug My heart stopped when we pulled the plug. You fought with such fire, such vigor, and grace, Yet your soul flew home to God’s embrace.August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Heaven’s Warrior’ By Brianne Saunders, , A short poem about my mother's fight with Lung Cancer. I hope this piece touches the hearts of those who have been through something similar. May their memory live on for as long as air fills your lungs. Just breathe.August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Love Hurts’ By Rod Martin, , Marci, a college coed falls for Ian who says he's the owner of a talent agency which turns out to be a cover for porn films. After a painful break up, she plots her painful revenge.August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘non lost’ By W.w.forte, , upon Awakening Jameson feels himself being watched. several figures hover over him ,as his sight comes back to his groggy eyes he thinks he recognizoes some of the faces. But Amelia Earhart and DB Cooper couldn't be here....wait... I am, was on a flight to... .August 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘Monsters @ Night’ By Silver, , A campsite with a little haunting history to it, legend tells of shrieks howls and screams fill the haunting atmosphere night, monsters that will trick you in to staying forever. people go in, but they don’t make it out! The woods and lake are all connected.August 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Untill we met’ By Alexia Demirdjian, , We see from the inside the windshield of a car, with a closed but transparent hood. The Increasingly colorful route and women's hands leading to SHE sticks her hand out the window while making waves. The sun begins to hide as The voice of the protagonist, a woman of about 45 years It counts almost as a thought that escapes. SHE (off) They say that before entering the sea, the river trembles with fear... look back, the winding road that crossed and go towards ahead an ocean so vast, that entering it is like disappear forever... the car advances on the road and after several zigzags slows down and stops abruptly. Something metallic and sharp bounces off the bottom of the auto.la naphtha spills on the road. SHE (off) But there is no other way. He river can't come back. Nobody can return. Going back is impossible existence. only when entering in it, fear will disappear and you know it's not about disappear into it, but become ocean.August 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Until we met.’ By Alex, , We see from the inside the windshield of a car, with a closed but transparent hood. The Increasingly colorful route and women's hands leading to SHE sticks her hand out the window while making waves. The sun begins to hide as The voice of the protagonist, a woman of about 45 years It counts almost as a thought that escapes. SHE (off) They say that before entering the sea, the river trembles with fear... look back, the winding road that crossed and go towards ahead an ocean so vast, that entering it is like disappear forever... the car advances on the road and after several zigzags slows down and stops abruptly. Something metallic and sharp bounces off the bottom of the auto.la naphtha spills on the road. SHE (off) But there is no other way. The river can't come back. Nobody can return. Going back is impossible existence. only when entering in it, fear will disappear and you know it's not about disappear into it, but become ocean.August 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Love Doesn’t Mean FOOL’ By Punteas Wakumi Jin, , How a single mom came up with organizing a donation drop yard and making trips give to homeless and other persons that are considered forgotten.August 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Scarlet’ By Angela Dawn Russell, , An alliterative prose/flash fiction piece based on memoir, utilizing fantasy and fairy tale elements to illustrate the heroine's battle with her demons/fictional protagonist/ghosts of the past.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program short-story who-will-save-the-hero-tales-of-chosen-ones-slaying-the-demons-within
‘Where Is Bob?’ By T Scott Sparks, , The Unites States Space Force is conducting a secret manned space mission to study the effects of long-term space travel on humans. But there is a twist!August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Book of Lehona’ By Stefan simmons, , Ellie Altorius works in her parents library where she must guard a magic book the Book of Lehona. When the book is stolen and the library is buened to the ground she must go on a journey to find other librarians and get her book back.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Six Toys ‘ By Braac Rhiley, , Group of teens go camping, one by one they disappear. No trace. Years into the future, a child finds them but not what they were.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Where the Rats Reside’ By Morgan Mathews, , A society's once vibrant humanity has been smothered by a suffocating regime known as the Divine Province. Citizens are expected to obey the lies of the Province as the piles of bodies rise in the wake of their unchecked power. In this bleak realm, smiles are manufactured, laughter hollow, and genuine human connection extinguished. The Province enforces a rigid medieval-like structure, forcing women to shroud their bodies in masks resembling mice, symbolizing their subjugation. Conformity reigns, and women's voices are stifled, dreams reduced to mere whispers. These women are forbidden from engaging with men and must remain silent unless addressed. Their bodies stripped of autonomy are under the control of the government, a consequence of a society that emerged from a nuclear war but evolved into an authoritarian cult. Under the pretext of security, the Province wields an advanced technology called "Mindlink" connecting citizens' minds to a centralized network, erasing memories of the past and quashing any flicker of rebellion. A list of rules, growing in number as deifance persists, hangs in every home and public space, enforcing strict obedience. Punishments range from lashings to public executions, and the Province's chilling signature "Infra Nos" accompanies each decree. There is no hope. And there is no escape.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘Snickerbobble ‘ By Feather Lloyd, , Snickerbobble was a happy young man. He had everything he could ask for. A well off family, supportive town, money. Deep down something just didn’t feel right.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Combat Fatigue’ By Morgan Mathews, , Silence. A sound Charles Anderson was far too familiar with. He spent years in a P.O.W. camp just waiting to be rescued or the day that death would take him. He was nineteen when he was drafted into the Vietnam war. He was the all-American son that any parent would have dreamed of, but any youthful enthusiasm had now long passed. A treaty was signed that signifies America’s submission from the war, and the prisoners are rescued from their camps. But through years of vivid horror and torture, Charles Anderson would never be the same. He returns to his small town in the United States, but feels as though he never left the war. He is met with backlash from citizens as they throw both physical and metaphorical stones. He and other returning veterans are treated like murderers as the consequences of war have reverberated long after its end. Charles struggles to get back on his feet while he also fights vivid nightmares of the war and the torture he endured; leaving his mind a confusing mess.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Poetry Collection’ By Morgan Mathews, , This collection of poems was written following the death of my grandfather as well as my cat when I felt the lowest in my life. I was dealing with loss and a family that was falling apart. I felt betrayed and the only way to follow my feelings was to move a pen about paper. These are a chosen few of my personal favorites from the hundreds that I wrote. Each dealing with the feelings of death, loss, and betrayal.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Beutiful Country’ By Christophe Willermoz, , The tranquil of a remote island with its both visible and invisible mystery.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Crosswalk Blues’ By Ema Almon, , A collection of five short poems all written from, about, or to the road, "Crosswalk Blues" seeks to explore the casual and catastrophic inner turmoil a young woman might most easily confront alone on her daily commute.August 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Davey Jones: Heavyweight Champion of the World ‘ By Carl Chase, , Davey is young black kid growing up in the slums of Chicago. Who saw his father die from a overdose of drugs, at the young age of 15. Over comes a prison sentence but goes on to become Heavyweight Champion of the world.August 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘The Number Tattoo ‘ By Hank Landry, , In the middle sixties a young altar boy encounters a priest unlike any before. The altar boy has always been infatuated with WW ll. The priest is past the age and health of maintaining a parish. He is sent as relief to pastors as they take vacations and sabbaticals. A friendship develops over two summers between the priest and the young altar boy. One morning, after mass, Father Fenstad shows the altar boy, Hank, something that is said in Latin each time the prayers of consecration is said. Hanq Igitor. Hank is told this word is his name in Latin. It is a part of the mass that can never be changed. The good father tells Hank he has been chosen. His name can never be taken from the prayer of the mass. Upon the pastors return for Ireland, Father Fenstad returns home. Hank is told that the visiting priest was touched for his service on the altar. The newly refreshed pastor tells of Father Fenstad’s injury. A year passes and the visiting priest returns as he did the summer before. Near the end of his stay the priest arrives at church for morning mass in pain from his injuries. Hank must be the priest legs on the altar for mass. Miracles take place during the mass. Words are heard from heaven. Once mass is concluded Father Finstad relates to Hank the tragedy that befell him as a young man, and that of his kid brother as they were captive in the Auschwitz prison during the war. It is gut wrenching, and the two share the experience that will now affect both of their lives.August 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Poems’ By Tracey Hankins, , A collection of Poems. Each has its own title.August 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Bloody Watson’ By John Perez, , During a Spring Break Trip from college, a group of students decide to camp in the Florida Everglades for a few nights. They happen upon an Island which is haunted by the Spirit of Ed Watson, a true historical character who murdered dozens of people throughout the US and in the Everglades during the Late 1800's and early 1900's. Inspired by true events, this mystery thriller combines the Historical story of Ed Watson with current times and young adults. A sexy thriller, based in Sunny South Florida, with a twist ending no one saw coming.August 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Way Down in Egypt Land’ By Benjamin Armstrong, , During the American Civil War a wounded slave owner is greeted by unlikely people.August 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-history short-story
‘Threw the wilderness ,before the promise land’ By Bridgette Hayes, , In life their are stages we go threw..we have dreams goals aspirations..often times majority of times we have to go threw difficulies before getting there...August 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Midnight Beach’ By K. Davez, , Greek mythological fictional description of a beach at midnight.August 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The dtrength of water and the power of Love’ By Stacey Ireland, , Over comming TragedyAugust 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘The Wolf’s Heir: Katrine’s Awakening’ By L.V. Luca, , Introducing "The Wolf's Heir: Katrine's Awakening" - a tale of self-discovery, empowerment, and conquering fears. Join Katrine, a human woman with a lineage of wolves and witches, as she embarks on a transformative journey that challenges her beliefs and tests her inner strength. Seeking refuge and purpose on the moon of her ancestors, Katrine faces rejection and threats. Will she reclaim her rightful place and find personal peace? Unleash the power within and break free from fear's grip in this captivating story of resilience and triumph.August 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘The Weymouth Wanderer’ By Maria Buller, , A man caught between his WWII post traumatic stress and alcoholism strikes up a deal with a sinister man using his mortal soul as collateral.August 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Celestial Warfare’ By Daisy McCurtain, , When Heaven's cockiest reaper goes missing, the Angel of Protection is willing to risk everything to find and rescue him - even his wings.August 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘This Too Will Pass’ By Ruby Smith, , Whatever you are dealing with , it won't last forever. Our troubles will pass when God says ok enough is enough. I am bringing my child out of this you are going through a season but this too will passAugust 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘God Walks These Dark Hiils’ By Alan Place, , A sceptic has his conceot of religion challenged when he has a car accident, and gets recued a mysterious couple.August 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Done Deal!! (Permanently)’ By Peggy Vanthul, , This is a story of a business partnership gone wrong.August 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘Mistakes We Make’ By Richard McFarlin, , Josh is a near broke dog walker, who supplements his income by stealing from his clients. He gets a new gig with some very odd people walking their dog. When he tries to steal from them he understands very quickly that there are certain mistakes we make in life that are often times fatal.August 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Seven Minutes’ By Ellyne, , Rowan Queen is the star of campus hockey. Popular, cocky, but behind the mask, he's a different man. Everyone's a fan, he's the life of the party, but he wants nothing more in his heart than to be a tattoo artist. So he decides to change majors and start following his true dreams besides hockey. He never wanted to go pro, yet everyone expects him to make it to the NHL. Except for one person. Millie Zakharov. They meet at a party, a dressing room to be exact, when they participate in the Seven Minutes of Heaven game. They start talking and realize how much they have in common. She's also an art student studying to be a producer, so she doesn't like athletes. After a kiss, she runs away and Rowan does his best to find her. That's all he need. The fact that she doesn't want Rowan at first just burns him up. This happens, and now that they are both studying in the same department, they can't avoid each other. The hockey player decides to woo the girl, who is the complete opposite of the sorority girls he has dated before. The girl is wild, tattooed, and NOT BLONDE. He likes it because Millie is actually much closer to his world. Through humorous, romantic moments, Rowan convinces her that the two of them would be perfect together. Millie struggles with herself, but eventually gives in and realizes she's been misreading Rowan Queen. Sure, jealousy, misunderstood people, and the hockey world are there behind them like a shadow, but together they create their own world. Rowan and Millie seem like opposites, but as he courts her and they get to know each other, they realize that they are both artists. Rowan carries scars in his heart from a bad coach who made him not want to play hockey so badly. She is helping him to come to terms with this, but in the meantime this past event comes between them when they meet the coach. Millie questions her confidence and whether she has a place in this strange world. Rowan refuses to let her go and holds on to his dream of getting a tattoo, while keeping hockey as a hobby. He conjures up a sweet old school movie scene (Say Anything’s recorder scene) to make her fall in love. They decide to give each other a real chance while balancing between the two worlds, and they succeed very well. Rowan sets off on the road to tattoo success, while Millie is also fighting for her dreams of becoming a producer. The book ends with sweet text conversations. The end of the book also reveals which of their friends will develop a love affair, which will be the subject of the next book.August 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Dark Alice in the new wonderland ‘ By SonyaLee, , It's snippets of stories all combined into one like little stories for each characters .August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Day Technology Died’ By Lj, , Everything in Dani's life was relatively normal; she got good grades in school, went to work, and took care of her kitten, Stickers. But all of that changed when every screen in her city ceased functioning. As the days went on, and Dani listened to the radio, the deviating reality of the situation came to a head. It wasn't just her city: this outage was global.August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Something Casual’ By John Harris, , Lacy is finally ready to enter the dating world after her divorce from Gary Lowen. But the dating world has changed since her single days, with the insanity of the dating apps. When she finally meets a decent guy, she discovers he's a private investigator. He would love for her to join him as he travels for his next case. Who's he looking for, Lacy asks. Gary Lowen.August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘The Midnight Mile’ By Joan Foley Baier, , Before cell phones were available, a teenager's winter's night walk home, alone, became a nightmare when she discovered a man following her. However, her response not only kept her safe, but more likely saved her life.August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘2 Weeks in a Life’ By Nancy Wisdom, , What it's like to be a homeless old person.August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Fred, I Have to Go Now’ By David Lutes, , As a new, young pastor in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, I had to visit a very sick and dying parishioner on a regular basis - Maizie. Fred, her husband, was not at all 'believing' when it came to Christian things, and I had to tred carefully around the relevant subjects. When Maize was taken into emergency in her final days, Maizie's angelic visit at her farewell, touched everyone's lives - including mine.August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Delicato’ By MARY EASTHAM, , My name is Johanna Dane. The bones of my ancestors are buried deep here in Dane's Crossing, a cocoon of singing trees and magical beauty hidden like a jewel between the Whitley Mountains and the Eldorado River. My twin brother Mica says the river is his prop. Every day he leaves the studio, a sketch pad in his backpack, ready to see what surprises she has in store for him. It is hard for me to tell you this. Mica is missing in the floating world that is our town, devastated by the morning's flash flood. Where is he? Where is my beloved brother? I swim faster and faster into the flood's dark corners past someone's teapot, a hot-dog vendor's cart, measuring spoons and the morning's newspapers still tied up with string. Each time I rise back up to the surface, nearly comatose without air, I come back empty handed. Won't you please help me find him?August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘AMALGAM’ By Macabre Romanticist, , Abstract: This novel chronicles the psychic roller-coaster of a man removed from his one-time soul mate; a woman he once shared an impassioned, loving relationship. Bereft in her absence, he suffers two existences. From nights before, when his eyes open to the mental prison he's been sentenced, his daily anguish nears no end. While asleep, he luxuriates in the blossoming of a reinvigorated love for that very same woman in a world behind closed eyelids. Alongside this amalgam of sorrow and enjoyment, he and life-long friends participate in an intriguing confluence of events. By novel's end, he's drafted a letter that begs forgiveness, hoping a fortuitous wheedling of it into her hands provides a response in accord with the long-overdue, heart-wrenched words he's chosen.August 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Divine Intervention from Above ‘ By Paula Zahratka, , About God in my lifeAugust 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Dream’ By Sonya Strong, , Kathy had always Dreamed of going to the same College as her Dad so she fought hard to make that Dream come true but when it became a Reality for her, she never Dreamed that she would have to fight just as hard, for her life after she gets there?August 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The Necromancer’s Triumph’ By Drew Goodman, , A necromancer completes the final ritual within his mysterious book, but his ascension was not what he thought it would be.August 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A Killing at the Core Residence’ By Kathleen Kockritz, , This happened at a residence in a small town in western Kentucky in the 1980's. The story involves one staff member killing another (crime of passion) and how this event affected the Core Residence Manager. The story deals with what happened and why. It is a true story, with fictional elements.August 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘The Last Fish’ By Alan Place, , With the storms aproaching two fishermen risk thier lives in a bid to save their small fleet, and the business.August 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Peace Within’ By Lenny, , A story of one Karla, who was INCARCERATED. The life She led.... Lots of actionAugust 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The city of Jewels ‘ By Jeff Rigdon, , This is the latest adventure of Peter Brice, a loveable thief with a heart of gold. He and his odd ball group of adventurers race against an old foe to unlock the secrets of the city of Jewels.August 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘Shifting Gears’ By Rika Edens, , For some life is incredibly unfair. Timmy copes with his reality by escaping into a delusional self identity. Suzy learns from a childhood crush what really matters in life. They both shift gears.August 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Sally’ By Leah Dewey, , A description of the land of the dead when someone is murdered.August 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The test before me’ By Angela Padmore, , The unbrokenAugust 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Particles? I thought particles?’ By Chase Garret Mozingo, , An invasion in the night of Beatrice, the handsome protestor of nonchalant betrayal, sardonically repeating, and the defeat of iron in a cordially impregnated satire on life and the meaning of being jolly, wholly or encorpsed.August 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-philosophy-culture-sponsored-by-planksip short-story
‘Famiglia’ By Anonymous Bosch, , The children ofAntonio and Bonina Russo are celebrating their patents' 100th birthday and 82 years of marriage at St. Stephen's Nursing Home to be attended by the entire family, including grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Instead of it being a time of family reunion and focus on the celebration, old family rivalries and issues arise. Amelia's son has run away from home, and the aged brood of siblings falls into a host of unresolved family issues.August 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘My painful past’ By Anna Thompson, , Anna has come face to face with her biggest demon, herself. Will her troubled past come to haunt her future? Will her family understand why she had to do what she had to do? Or will she have to dissappear?August 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The long mile of Joe Claypool’ By Babs Ahn, , How bottom land folks in a rural state meet life’s hurdles headonAugust 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Part Time’ By Diane Neiman, , Do you ever really know your friends? Lovers? Anyone? In most cases the answer is no what is YOUR answer?August 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The Lost Shoe’ By Kimberley Cone, , Danny Shoe is lost. His friends try to comfort and encourage his brother David as his owner Nate tries to find him. Will he be found or is he lost and gone forever?August 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Once upon time’ By Frances Chen, , Once upon time, there was an angel live in the Heaven and a fairy lived in the Neverland. They started dancing without introducing themselves, and soon began to fall in love with each other. However, they have been tighten by two opposite land, and their love is forbidden. So, the angel and the fairy went to see the Azael, the Azael said that the angel must cut his wings and the fairy must get rid of her magic so that the master of the island Peter Pan couldn’t find her. And they both did quietly for each other. When wingless angel fell on Neverland, Peter Pan told that she had left, and the angel would be his servant for lifetime. And when the fairy broke the magic bond, Neverland reached to the Heaven, God told her that the angel had abandoned his life and she could wait him in inferno. In this case, both angel and fairy decided to sacrifice themselves, to reborn in the life that they could be with each other. The angel the toxicant, and the fairy walked into the flame. They both held their wishes until the strings of their lives broke, and their new lives had came.August 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Happy Birthday’ By Patsy, , Mostly about aging. The dynamics of the treatment from different parts of the family and with all that , how it effects you in your effort to age easily. Which I know can be difficult for a lot of people even without other situations happening with-in the family.August 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Sweet Buy and Bye’ By Russ Melgar, , Christmas Story. A widower trying to “escape” Christmas is hurled into an alternate world where he must mend his fractured soul, face his fears and open himself to life again.August 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘White Angel’ By Samuel. G. Tooma, , A man’s wonderful life crashes down around him, and he is suddenly thrust into a seemingly hopeless situation. With no options available, he turns to prayer. But instead of solutions to his demise, he is subjected to terrifying nightmares which include a mysterious woman in white. Are these nightmares omens of pending doom? Or are they somehow providing him clues to resurrect his life? Is the woman in white an agent of Satan leading him down the road to perdition? Or is she a messenger of God leading him to his salvation? “What should I do?” he cries.August 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Many Aspects Of Love’ By Greg Gaul, , Double Doppleganger intrigueAugust 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘What we don’t know but need to know to live. ‘ By Janet Peral, , Informing humanity of the complete creation of God and the resources we have yet don’t know about neither know how to fully take use of them to live a successful life with more moments filled with joy than sorrow.August 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Ms Sally, Are You An Outlaw?’ By Deidre White, , Southern Belle travels West to meet her father. One night, while on his ranch, a gunman named Big Foot broke in and killed her father in cold blood. That night she vowed to avenge her father's death. School mark by day, but by night she is a relentless killer who won't stop tracking the man who killed her dad.August 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘The survivor inside’ By Sandra Bussell, , Childhood andAdult terror and survivingAugust 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Long Story Short’ By Tim G. Young, , Navigating the twists and turns of modern life are major challenges. One can decide to go with the flow but the flow may not always reach a comfortable situation. But whatever the outcome, life tends to be a long story short.August 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
’90 day surprise ‘ By Jennifer Perkins, , MysteryAugust 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Heretics and Persecution ‘ By Imani Simone, , A critical review of the persecution of martyrs. This short essay focuses on the inquisition in relation to the Roman Catholic church.August 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Skating through the end of the universe.’ By howard Moon, , The Creator is watching the universe end and putting on her roller skates so she can skate across the universe and start all over again.August 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Dreams in Technicolor’ By Gerry Watters, , My story is about growing up and carrying secrets with a bit of dream/fantasy scenes also included.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Cooking With Water’ By Bessie Christian, , True short story of an elderly woman troubled by sicknesses brought on by aging.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-health-wellness short-story
‘The Epic Fish Story ‘ By E.Palmer, , This story is about a man on a fishing trip in 1992 that stumbles across something while fishing that would lead to nightmares and what if's for the rest of his life.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘cat and mouse game’ By chinedu ichu, , Milo was a lazy cat who lived in a cozy house with his owner. He liked to sleep on the sofa, eat tuna, and watch TV. He had no interest in chasing mice or playing with toys. He was bored and lonely, but he did not know how to make friends. Max was a clever mouse who lived in a hole in the wall. He liked to explore the house, find food, and read books. He had many friends among the other mice, but he also wanted to learn more about the world outside. He was curious and adventurous, but he did not know how to be careful. One day, Milo and Max met in the kitchen. Milo saw Max nibbling on a slice of cheese and decided to catch him for fun. Max saw Milo pouncing on him and decided to escape for his life. They chased each other around the house, making a lot of noise and mess. They were not friends, but enemies.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘cat and mouse game’ By chinedu ichu, , cat who lived in a cozy house with his owner. He liked to sleep on the sofa, eat tuna, and watch TV. He had no interest in chasing mice or playing with toys. He was bored and lonely, but he did not know how to make friends. Max was a clever mouse who lived in a hole in the wall. He liked to explore the house, find food, and read books. He had many friends among the other mice, but he also wanted to learn more about the world outside. He was curious and adventurous, but he did not know how to be careful. One day, Milo and Max met in the kitchen. Milo saw Max nibbling on a slice of cheese and decided to catch him for fun. Max saw Milo pouncing on him and decided to escape for his life. They chased each other around the house, making a lot of noise and mess. They were not frienAugust 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘cat and mouse game’ By chinedu ichu, , Milo was a lazy cat who lived in a cozy house with his owner. He liked to sleep on the sofa, eat tuna, and watch TV. He had no interest in chasing mice or playing with toys. He was bored and lonely, but he did not know how to make friends. Max was a clever mouse who lived in a hole in the wall. He liked to explore the house, find food, and read books. He had many friends among the other mice, but he also wanted to learn more about the world outside. He was curious and adventurous, but he did not know how to be careful. One day, Milo and Max met in the kitchen. Milo saw Max nibbling on a slice of cheese and decided to catch him for fun. Max saw Milo pouncing on him and decided to escape for his life. They chased each other around the house, making a lot of noise and mess. They were not friends, but enemies. One day, Milo and Max met in the kitchen. Milo saw Max nibbling on a slice of cheese and decided to catch him for fun. Max saw Milo pouncing on him and decided to escape for his life. They chased each other around the house, making a lot of noise and mess. They were not friends, but enemies .One day, Milo and Max met in the kitchen. Milo saw Max nibbling on a slice of cheese and decided to catch him for fun. Max saw Milo pouncing on him and decided to escape for his life. They chased each other around the house, making a lot of noise and mess. They were not friends, but enemies.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Christmas Lights in January’ By Laura Duggan, , On her way across the country to see her dying brother, a woman delivers a eulogy in her mind as she journeys.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘The Corner home’ By Living Phoenix, , A simple dilapidated home on the corner of a street yet full of mystery.August 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Teenage Changes’ By Shanna Kelley, , The problems teens face during those hard teen years and the parents dealing with them.August 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Incubation’ By T.M. Davis, , After all these years, Lily shows up at Ray's door, promising the biggest score of a lifetime. But who wouldn't be just a little bit paranoid, if you were the one who put her in jail in the first place.August 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Incubation’ By T.M. Davis, , After all these years, Lily shows up at Ray's door, promising the biggest score of a lifetime. But who wouldn't be just a little bit paranoid, if you were the one who put her in jail in the first place.August 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘MS: a Life Lived’ By Paula Frew, , I would write about my life with MSAugust 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-health-wellness short-story
‘The Tour’ By C.B. Butler, , Tonya and Quincy are on a tour of a winery cellar, enjoying some respite from the everyday, and some alone time before the arrival of their first child. But one of them has alternate reasons for this tour, and it's not to taste more wine... I got the idea for The Tour while on a literal tour of a winery in Augusta, Missouri. My partner and I are huge fans of horror, and we both agreed the cellar of the winery would be a great setting for a tale of terror, although I don't remember who had the thought first.August 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘If Pain were an Option ‘ By R.D Morgan, , until I don’t have a voice anymore. I want to punch a wall until my hand is broken. I want to hurt someone without hurting them. I want to be able to express my feelings without being judged. I want someone to listen to me when I’m not talking. I want someone to hear my cries for help even when I’m not saying anything. I want someone to care for me without me having to beg for them to care. I want someone to stay without begging them. I want things that aren’t possible in this world and in this timeline. I want love without having to ask for it. I want someone to hug me when they know I’m not ok. I want things that I shouldn’t have to ask for, but I still do. I wanted parents that didn’t scream at the top of their lungs at each other all the time, I wanted siblings that didn’t hate me, I wanted to not be abandoned, I wanted to be loved even when I’m at my lowest. I want someone to care without asking. If physical pain were an option I would take it, but it's not. I must stay clean, and not just for myself this time. I must do it for them. I must do it for my siblings, my mom, my stepdad, and what little friends I have. If pain were an option, I would take it but it's not. I must keep fighting for what is right. What I think and feel is right. People aren’t always going to agree with my opinions and that’s ok, but I must accept that. Nothing is better than pain whether physical, mental, or emotional pain it’s all the same. Family members like to tell me I’m too much or I’m overreacting to certain situations but I’m not, they just don’t like how I am and frankly I don’t like their ways much either. If pain were an option, I would take it. Sometimes you can’t take the opportunities that are presented to you because it’s just not what the mind wants. I could go on and on or I can tell you that pain is something that everyone wants to feel at least once in their life. And some people wonder why other people want to feel pain, it’s because when feeling numb it sucks because all you want to do is feel something and you can’t because well, you’re numb. The numb feeling is like your grandma or someone close to you dying and you not feeling anything, you’re just there. And when you’re numb you want to feel pain even when you can’t. It takes over your life sometimes. Other times some people can’t get their lives back. They are numb forever or at least they feel like are. Pain is pain and feeling it what some people want at least once in their life. If pain were an option, August 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘If Pain were an Option ‘ By R.D Morgan, , This short story is about a young girl about 14 or 15 who just wants to feel something rather than nothing. She talks about how physical pain was an option she would take itAugust 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘The Derby Curse’ By Paula Moomey, , My family went from being ministers in the church to serving the devil... how? In this book I will tell you... just open the pages of my nightmareAugust 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘On Holy Ground’ By Cantor Mitch, , A woman with a collectable shop finds that her house and property are on sacred burial grounds with mysterious and haunting powersAugust 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Seeing is believing, but what the heart feels truly tells the whole story’ By Mickey, , Actual events of my life that include gifts of God's greatest blessings. The interaction of animals and God's will. A trip to pet store for snake food ended up buying a puppy for a 9 year old boy who just lost his father. By the end of the evening the true reason for buying puppy is revealed. When you hear the Lord speak and obey it changes everything. Had a hand raised parakeet, personally picked out, a male according to breeder of bird. Started to lay eggs, and then seizures. Calcium deficiency from laying sterile eggs. Confirmed by vet bird was female, not male, depleting calcium from egg production. Became so attached to this feathered miracle. She was Michael, then Molly. Loved to do turkey calls, bath drink coffee. Very effectionate. Wonderful blessing, smart, comforting to all.August 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Conversation with God’ By ben coleman, , “In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.” - Herodotus In 2303 Ten miles northwest of New Century City on the planet of Elysium 2 men are on a day hike with their sons when suddenly there is cataclysmic bone-rattling boom of ships breaking the sound barrier as hundreds of ships of Invasion fleet beared down on New Century City. A story of survival and the grace of GodAugust 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Don’t Call Us Lay We Can Slay’ By Karen Arnold, , This is a story about being sent to a medical doctor because of vertigo and finding a treatment for vertigo myself and telling the doctor’s office about the treatment because the doctor had vertigo.August 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-biography short-story
‘ I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends’ By Tom Erb, , Chapter 16 of the memoir "I Am the Walrus," "I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends" by Tom Erb recounts the author's experiences in 1963, at the age of nine. A new friendship with an older man named Niko K. unfolds, offering the author mentorship, music lessons, and a glimpse into a different world. The chapter covers various aspects of the author's life, including his involvement in the chorus and growing interest in music, particularly The Beatles.August 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Mistress’ By Francine Lee A, , At fourteen Eris was saved from the brink of death by a kind lady offering her a job as a on a distant planet. Now, a middle-aged woman, in the trial for her life, Eris exposes her life as a mistress. Will she be killed by the rebel uprising as a sympathizer or will she choose to save her life by turning her back to the men, who kept her living in comfort for the last thirty-five years?August 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘Africa Under the Table’ By Michele Williams, , Colette finds herself immersed in her role as a wife and mother in a working class neighborhood of Berkeley, California. She is white and her husband, Raymond is black. They live in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, where the story focuses on the early death of a dear friend and neighbor, who represents the black working class community that once populated the area. Colette has some prescient abilities that emerge here and there as she and Raymond support their dying friend’s passage from life to death.August 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘What’s Your Number’ By Juanita Collier, , In the end times people will hear that a few fake Anti-Christ will come forth before the final one appears. During this time, one came to be know in the world, him believing it was his time. The goodness of God and His protection and truth. This man found his fate in the name of Jesus. God will win over any evil.August 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Step Child’ By Agenis Villa, , An estranged father decides to reconnect with a son he used to be abusive towards. After he does, strange happenings begin to occur in the boy's room. Is it the father up to his old tricks, the son's overactive imagination trying to come up with an excuse to not spend time with his father, or is it something supernatural?August 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Essence of Angels’ By Kathleen Williams, , Everyday challenges and insurmountable obstacles, the thread present was divine.August 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Tommy Loves to Fish’ By Pat Whittington, , A small boy’s adventure on daily fishing trips and wanderings with detailed fish renderings. Educational information on local fish of the U.P. of Michigan.August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Blackie buys a dune buggy’ By Monty Brashier, , my friend Blackie buys a dune buggy and the test drive goes awryAugust 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘I’m Not Afraid’ By Dee Joydan, , A little fish learns it’s ok to be afraid.August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Hangman ‘ By Devin Schlottman, , Three bad boys antagonize the shy kid in study hall to do something "crazy". The shy kid shows them just how crazy he can be.August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Goodbye to you ‘ By Bonnie Green, , Injustice and abuse. Family court unmonitored allows crimes against youth and other litigants Innocent, no sue process Financial rewards for placement of children.August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘the demon lord and the knight’ By KniFez, , a demon lord and a fearsome knight from other worlds finally meet and decide to spend their day living as care free as possible with one another with not knowing each other very well this was sure to be an eventful day between the two of them but in a way noone else would expect.August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Scent of You’ By Haylie E Baker, , “I couldn’t catch my breath. It felt like my lungs were on fire and my legs could give out at any second. The pain in my side refused to ease, a dark bruise was already forming. Yet I knew I had to keep running. Gurgling sounds, screams, and heavy footsteps could be heard from behind me. I knew to not look back, I’d lose speed if I dared to do so. Damon was dead and the rest of the group had been cut off by the huge explosion. These zombie fuckers were relentless. My mission to find Damon in this run-down mall had changed. I had now begun the mission of getting the fuck out of here.”August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Ed Hill’s Romance Scam’ By Marylou Knapik, , A sweet little lady gets her heart broken and her bank account emptied by a con artist. He plays on her loneliness and preys on her trust. Does she recover? Is he brought to justice? Could you fall for his big blue eyes and silver tongue? Hold on to your silverware and your silver dollars!August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘Cursed’ By David Nance, , Did an accident in the past result in a curse upon the narrator's bloodline that will prevent him from ever finding true love? It might be.August 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Gracie and Skittle’ By Kimberly Ashe, , Gracie and her little sister go to live with their maternal grandmother after their parents are believed missing in Africa.August 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Friends that Became Sisters’ By Latrivia Irena, , After a tragic turn of events during junior year Tayla had to move in with her best friend Tamara and her family. After graduation the girls were hit with some information that changed them forever.August 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Forever’ By Forever, , A young man from Idaho goes to L.A. to try to be famousAugust 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘What We Gained’ By Alejandro DeVillan, , Alex is trans and bi, 37 year old 'Mod'. Mod is modified parent, or mix of mom and dad, as AD likes to say. AD is Alex's 11 year old queerspawn who can't wait to get to camp. Alex and AD are going to Queer family camp, along with Alex's partner Daniel. Late night arrivals, surprise trains, and hecklers can't stop this group from having a good time! How many hills and loops can one weekend's emotional rollercoaster hold for this family and their queer community?August 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘Twain of trysts’ By F. E. Zujkowski, , His calloused hands held hers in a vise-like grip, although she struggled there was nothing she could do. She was for all intents and purposes, powerless.August 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘The Gunner’ By Dave Bongianino, , The Gunner is the story of a third generation psychopath, a man that knew only violence and pain in his short life. A young man and his fiance move to Lakewood, California to start a new life. Once there they are subjected to racial cruelty and bullying beyond their wildest dreams. It's not only culture shock to move from a small town in Pennsylvania, but an actual living nightmare. They try everything at their disposal to combat the cruelty but in the end, after his fiance is taken hostage, the young man must fight fire with fire.August 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘An Otherwise Ordinary Moment’ By Erin Guyette, , An emotional, honest perspective about the aftermath of life after the loss of a loved one. Raw & relatable.August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Prologue’ By Charlotte Reid, , To my autobiography... "this aint no fairy tale:August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘How do you know God is real ?’ By Donna Burchard, , Little Fawn enjoys his walk through the forrest, wondering about God and how is he real .Asking other members How do you know God is real ?August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Short Film Club’ By Darren Stokes, , This is a Short film about a Short Film being conceived by a group of feisty creatives. In their constant battle to find the best “Original” idea to make, they pit their wits, will, and egos against each other in the pursuit of every filmmaker's dream. Success!August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Failed Saviour-Aitobiography of an American Yogi’ By El Kyda, , I'm an intersex man, a genetic mutation, who was born into a Gnostic cult, and programmed by the CIA to cause the end of days. My parents and family are members of the german death cult Skull and Bones, and have been telling me about 9/11 since the early 80s. Now that most have passed, I can't tell you the real story of that day, why it had to happen, and how I made the biggest screw-up in the history of mankind. This book is a confession to a crime 100 times worse than the Holocaust. You won't believe me anyway. I know, because it took me 42 years to believe it, and it was happening to me.August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Wild Weekend’ By J B Tillotson, , A teen leaves her boyfriend in a bar and catches a ride with a member of the band playing there. She rides on the back of his motorcycle. She has in her purse a picture of the band. On the back is her boyfriend's plans for a robbery his gang is planning. The next day, when she realizes what the sketchy information on the back means, she calls the police. She breaks up with the boyfriend and continues to see the band member. She knows the gang will be at a certain biker bar after the robbery, so she talks her new friend, the motorcycling musician, into taking her there. The girl, her new friend, the ex-boyfriend and the police all show up at the same time. Her ex-boyfriend grabs her and holds her hostage to avoid arrest. The musician comes to her rescue.August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Gunning for Red ‘ By Freddy Mendez, , In the high-stakes world of the critically acclaimed reality TV entrepreneur show "The Quad," 15 competitors gather under the dazzling lights of a Tulsa, Oklahoma Casino. As the world grapples with an economic crisis, shows like this symbolize the last remnants of the American Dream and have become a lifeline for many. The competition is fierce this season, and some would say, almost deadly. On the first day, bombshell producer and hostess Leslie “Les” Hermann announces that the daily victor will be marked by a red shirt, symbolizing “the best Company IN the Quad!” Relationships are tested, alliances are formed, and every decision is a gamble. As the first day concludes, Patricia "Promo" Jones, a sharp ex-investigative journalist turned entrepreneur, wins the honor, igniting both admiration and jealousy among her peers. As Les hands over the coveted red shirt, she throws a warning, her sparkling Latina smile glowing red, "Red also puts a target on your back. Everyone will be gunning for your spot." As a new day begins, some dreams have come to an end. “Promo” Jones's lifeless body is found floating in the hot tub, her discarded red shirt a grim testament to her short-lived victory. Initially ruled as a drowning, a closer examination reveals traces of an unknown chemical compound in her bloodstream. Each contestant arrived at the casino with dreams, secrets, ambitions, and potential reasons to kill. From the charismatic hostess to an innovative tech entrepreneur, a former beauty queen, and even a duo of hardened war veterans, all are eyed with suspicion. But alas, Les announces, “the show must go on!” and the competition intensifies. As the world watches in anticipation, the question looms: Can the truth be uncovered before another life is claimed? Or is this just one more of the twists and turns the show promised to deliver this season?August 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Burnt but unscathed’ By Alisa Switzer-Lewis, , The tribulations we face in life can either break or mold us. I have been in the darkness, in the pit, in the flames. But I fight, I fight, I fight, as an unconscious reflex, grabbing rocks, anchors and even people. When I finally grabbed a word of God, out of desperation. I began to feel myself pull up slowly. Then I began to grab another and another. Suddenly, I began seeing a change in myself, my thoughts, my perceptions.August 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘The Darling Buds Of May’ By Tom Nagy, , A husband and wife fight alcoholism and infidelity in a desperate final attempt to save their marriage. Tension builds as Jim Kelley openly fantasizes about other women, prompting his wife, Hannah to gravely resent him. While Jim grapples with the reality that he is the real problem in their marriage, Hannah struggles with addiction and regret.August 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Untitled’ By Kasey Rogers, , Fog was passing through a full red moon as the blood started pumping though my veins a unsettling weird chili comes within enough to make your heart turn core all sudden a unpleasant stench of rottening burning flesh mix in with sulfur fulls the air as I go in deeper in the earth atomshee which felt like a enernity nobody can hear you screaming or cry's no words can describe as I stare death in the face goosebumps raises and desperation gets intense I felt like my soul left my body.August 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Split’ By Vivian Greene, , Peace and harmony were all they had ever known until satan disguised himself as a snake and convinced Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of knowledge. Flooded with all that the tree bore Adam quickly realizes he can hear eve’s thoughts. Terrified she could do the same to him, he tricks her and convinces her that nothing happened from eating the apple. He trains her mind to be still so he can always be on watch. soon they have children and some children are born fluid and some are born still. until (thanks to the lie told to eve) the eventual enslavement of the still. As time goes on even the fluid do not remember why there are two types of minds but It’s gods command that the fluid will one day free the still and they will all be forgiven for eating from the tree of knowledge.August 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Oh, Holy Night’ By Maegan Riley, , A coming of age story that is painfully honest and real. The time in a young woman's life when the innocence of being a child is met by the harsh realities of the world in which we live and the consequences that come along with it.August 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘RUST’ By Linda Bell, , The suburbs in the 1970s were much different than they are today. Kids had more freedom; "stranger danger" was not yet a concern and bad things happened, very bad things, especially in Tremont.August 2, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Stitches’ By EbonyRose, , Stitches is an endearing and cherished Teddy Bear who experiences the agonizing pain of abandonment by its treasured owner, a young girl. The Teddy Bear is overwhelmed with feelings of betrayal and hurt, and as a result, undergoes a miraculous transformation, taking on a human-like form and becoming determined to seek revenge against the girl who left them behind. The Teddy Bear's plotting of their revenge is carried out with careful precision, but they soon come face-to-face with a critical decision, one that will determine their fate. Will the Teddy Bear give in to their vengeful desires, or will they find the strength in their heart to forgive the girl who caused them so much pain? The Teddy Bear's journey is a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and redemption, as they grapple with the complexities of human emotions and the power of forgiveness.August 2, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Newly Born 5th Graders’ By number1stella, , Sarah was about to enter the 5th grade. She didn't know what to expect. In previous grades the older children would tease and taunt her. Now she was at the top and no one could bully her around anymore or so she thought.August 2, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Feral Minds’ By Jerry Landry, , A man falls in love after being bitten by a feral cat which slowly turns him into a feral cat as well.August 2, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Almost Perfect ‘ By Christopher Metcalfe, , Revenge story based on different points of view.August 2, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Lady Sleuth: Murder of A Call Girl’ By J Ell Morgan, , Follow retired detective Vivian St. James. Who turned in her badge for an engagement ring. However, just as she is beginning to settle into civilian life her former partner Flynn Ballot requests her assistance with a case that shares similarities to one they had a few years back. The very same case they failed to solve and that broke her spirit. Nevertheless, time heals all wounds, with renewed strength she accepts his offer for a second chance and redemption. Yet, the closer they get to solving the case, the more she feels the familiar sting of loving Flynn. Yet, he has always kept his distance. Vivian knows for him the job comes first. Then again, whenever he looks at her she can swear his eyes mirrors her own desires. Too much is on the line, between her heart and stopping a relentless killer something is bound to give. She just pray this time they will outwit their foe, The Ladies Man.August 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘Just a Mountain Girl- The Story of Me’ By Goldia Grim, , Born in 1946, when coal mining was booming in Eastern KY, a shy, reclusive, youngest daughter of a coal miner gets the best of all worlds through her heritage, drive for education and older siblings providing opportunity.August 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Awakened’ By Ariel Price, , Edna, a woman who suffers from sleeping disorders is cast into a world where her reality is nothing more than an illusion. With the help of man named Blake, she comes to terms with what is real.August 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘The Night I Wish I Could Delete From Memory ‘ By Kay Dee Belk, , I was young, naive,trusting and raped!!!August 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Last Will And Testament ‘ By Tobin Frost, , The Last Man On Earth Pins A Dying Letter of Warning To Alien Civilizations.August 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘FOURTEEN THIRTY THREE’ By Shemicka Free, , How life’s ups and downs turned into leaps and bounds! This is how I navigated the journey and found the moral of my story.August 1, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Supernatural Struggles’ By Alicia Anspaugh, , This story is about The owner of a new age shop and the supernatural and financial hardships that come with that position. As well as the toll the supernatural hardships take on her family, and the help that she receives along the way.July 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Stiches’ By EbonyRose, , Story about a teddy bear 🧸 Do the Story from the perspective of the Teddy Bear. Example: Day 1: Diary style entry into a notebook entry written by the bear. Plot Idea: The premise of the story would be that the bear ends up wanting revenge on the girl for abandoning them and animates themselves. Could really become a human or have the illusion of being human before beginning to carry out the Plans they have to get their revenge.July 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Where is the Prince?’ By Eileen Heintz, , Remora had given up hope last night when a mysterious princess stole her opportunity to secure the prince for one of her beautiful daughters. But Luck has given Remora a second chance: the woman vanished and Prince Eamon is searching for her. Thanks to Remora’s life-long, genteel grifting, she has the skills to ensure the prince thinks one of her daughters is that mystery lady. It's nice to have Luck on her side for once. All she needs now is for the prince to show up.July 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Shadows of My Mind’ By Biffy, , Just memories from childhoodJuly 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Lost in the Words’ By J.L. Hinds, , A girl named Emily goes to the library to escape in a book. One day while browsing the shelves, a book draws her in and she picks it as her next read. When she starts to read she soon realizes she’s literally been sucked into the book. Not knowing the way out, Emily finds out she has to solve the mystery in order to make it out. If she doesn’t, she will forever be Lost in the Words…July 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘This Is Where I Wait For Her’ By jonni mullis, , First person account of a disappearance.July 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A life lost is a life wasted’ By Herman Martin, , A young man's depression causes him to question humanityJuly 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Mirage Delacroix’ By Herman Martin, , An inheritance proves to be an end instead of a beginningJuly 31, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Unknown’ By Sally Andrew, , Struggling with mental health. This short series of poems will let you know you're not alone. You'll read about Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD. Let's take down the stigma of not talking about mental health and talk about it. It's here and it's not going away.July 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Treasure’ By CINDY BREWER, , Fantasy/Sci-fi A young woman on her own from a young age makes a living as a treasure hunter.July 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Last Captain’ By Stephen W. Mitchell, , Memory of heartbreak and a homeless time.July 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Night of the winds’ By Dawn Welden, , Its about a man who goes to a softball field and the wind come up and he hears the sound of children and can hear the game but can not see them.July 30, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Ally ‘ By Liza Havey, , Ally has dreams of a young lady in the 18th century calling out to her in a Victorian home every night. She also exhibits peculiar behaviors of a dog. She suspects that she's lived in the past life before. She's in for a surprise when she discovers who she was when she goes and visits her grandmother at an old Victorian home . Ally will discover in the cycle of life , how irrelevant it is of what form of being she takes, as a dog or human.She will find that her love and sacrifice is always pertinent in fulfillng her purpose in each lifetime.July 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Sunflowers’ By pale moon writer, , My beloved grandmother eccentric one of a kind in a different era.July 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Burning’ By Y, , The jist of the story talks about a lost soul who finds addiction as a way of escapism from the problems she had to face head on. She did not realize the solution is to fix herself and get herself attuned to her intuition as she journey toward self discovery and revelations.July 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Long Lost Sisters’ By Nancy Jane, , Who dreams of finding out about a sister they never knew existed forty-six years after she was born? I never in my 53 years would have imagined it, yet it happened.... It happened when my 32-year-old daughter got her DNA results back and matched with a 46-year-old woman who lives in the same small Midwest town I was born in and lived in for the first seven years of my life. The journey over the last five months of connecting and getting to know Mandy has been healing in many ways. We hope this story can be used to motivate others to reach out and connect with long lost relatives, or maybe even submit their DNA!July 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Mr. Pomikin’s Puppy’ By Richard McFarlin, , Mr. Pomikin handles dogs for a living, showing them in dog shows around the country. After a personal tragedy, a very special puppy comes into Mr. Pomikin's life, giving him new joy and love. That joy is threatened by an other-worldly entity, leading Mr. Pomikin to make a life altering decision of his own.July 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Iceberg on the Ohio River’ By Sharon O’Maley, , Two young people in love are torn apart because of a decisioncand a misunderstanding. In search of the truth, they found themselves atop a Kentucky mountain attempting to stay above an ynexpected flood caused bt water from the Ohio River being pushed out of its babks by an out of control Iceberg.July 29, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Poems to Inspire’ By Sheb, , A collection of poemsJuly 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Snow Angels in the Road’ By K.R. Vanderport, , Ken is eighty years old when he and his wife Mary go for a fateful drive after a blizzard. What they find on the road will change their lives forever.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Opening the cube’ By Elsa PLATANIA, , A look at the transformative process of self discovery during widowhood and a foray into afterlife research.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Love you! Mom’ By Pat Sasaki, , Words of wisdom and encouragement that I want to pass on to my children.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘The Faceless Boy’ By Daniel Ojinaga, , This story reflects on one’s relationship with their father. Expressed from the inner child’s perspective, sharing their personal journey of losing one’s identity to the hands of abuse.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Two Texans’ By Sarah E. Ellis, , Millions of small unoccupied UFOs appear all over the world, and wait with open hatches for an occupant to board them. No one knows why these craft have landed or where they will be taken to if they board them. Only a few dare to go onboard until a comet hits the Earth and leaves them with no other choice. This tongue in cheek story is of two of the people that board the craft to a destinations unknown.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘My Laptop’ By Sarah E. Ellis, , Millions of small unoccupied UFOs appear all over the world, and wait with open hatches for an occupant to board them. No one knows why these craft have landed or where they will be taken to if they board them. Only a few dare to go onboard until a comet hits the Earth and leaves them with no other choice. This story is of one of the people that board the craft to a destinations unknown.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Water’ By Denise Larson, , A personal narrative surrounding an ill-fated backpacking trip that I took into the Rincon Mountains in Tucson, Arizona 35 years ago.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘Lady Everell and the Obsidian Dragon’ By Cass Alaire, , Evey is about to get a rude awakening. She's just trying to survive high school and all the issues that come with it: class struggles, making sure her friends don't hate her, and, of course, having a crush on the most popular girl in school. One day, she finds a magical book that drags her into a medieval world where she's a knight trying to rescue a princess. Because sure, why not, high school's not difficult enough. Follow Evey as she becomes Lady Everell: will she beat the dragon and get the girl or will she not have a happy ending even in a fairy tale?July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Bashful and Beautiful’ By Violetta Cavaletta, , It's a cliche because it's true: there's nothing like the first time. He's visiting from far away. She's enjoying a summer at home. A street fair. A chance encounter. And this sweet story of young love is on its way to a first kiss, and all the fabulous, sensual, sexy other firsts that follow.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Marginalia’ By Max Barker, , The beach is tainted by a mysterious, oneiric force; neither beast nor bird dare stray within a mile of its location. Lucas, a young soldier made mute as a child, camps with his companions waiting for a dark and unknown evil to arrive. A phantom world beyond the horizon is an escape as his notions of Legend are shattered upon the arrival of a herd of colossal snails. The lines that border reality and dream, faith and delusion are ultimately warped as he struggles to conflate his expectations of knightly heroes with the events that unfold around him.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Wat leaks beneath the skin’ By Mcr1987, , Talks about a female being possessed but from her point of view how she feels inside how she starts realizing something is wrong. From inside out.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘A flight with THE “IAM”‘ By Stephanie Resa, , As I was dying in the holding jail cell in Flagstaff Arizona after being raped two nights before my arrest I didn't want to live anymore. I wanted to die,I wanted to give up. As I lay on the ground covered in a pickle suit THE "IAM" and his son JESUS CHRIST showed up in Eagle form. Took me out of my body as it lay there lifeless, my spirit was taken to fly with the "IAM" I was shown things to come and things that still have not come to pass yet but will. I saw JESUS as we passed by the sun in the sky while flying with his father "I AM" he turned and watched us pass by, angels surrounded us on the right and the left as we flew.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘A flight with THE “IAM”‘ By Stephanie Resa, , As I was dying in the holding jail cell in Flagstaff Arizona after being raped two nights before my arrest I didn't want to live anymore. I wanted to die,I wanted to give up. As I lay on the ground covered in a pickle suit THE "IAM" and his son JESUS CHRIST showed up in Eagle form. Took me out of my body as it lay there lifeless, my spirit was taken to fly with the "IAM" I was shown things to come and things that still have not come to pass yet but will. I saw JESUS as we passed by the sun in the sky while flying with his father "I AM" he turned and watched us pass by, angels surrounded us on the right and the left as we flew.July 28, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Evil Trinity ‘ By STEVEN GREGORY, , As a survivor and someone who escaped The Freeway Killer, aka William Bonin, a prolific serial killer in Southern California in the late 1970s, this story expands to two other killers who were operating around the same time and areas.July 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘Just Friends’ By Violetta Cavaletta, , It’s a trope as old as, well, as old as tropes. Two people meet, “A” is interested in romance, “B” wants to be friends, until something makes “B” reconsider…July 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘The Andalusian ‘ By None, , Stallion and two mares going to a camp for children with ailments. Beautiful short story.July 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-dystopian short-story
‘Spaceman Dan and the Jellies’ By Zig Rose, , Lieutenant "Spaceman Dan" Daniels has, at long last, discovered an habitable planet for the relocation of humanity. But will the current inhabitants of this strange, alien planet be welcoming or malevolent? Friend or foe, he soon will know.July 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Magical Castle ‘ By Kelly Vedder, , Molly story about friendship with a unicornJuly 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘Whispering’ By Marilyn Stephan, , Yelling into deaf ears. Whispering gets people to listen.July 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘The Trinity Building’ By Jamey O’Donnell, , Cisco walked the line between responsible daytime superintendent and nighttime cocaine junkie, balancing both worlds and never mixing the two together...until the gargoyles came that night. Everything changed from that point on.July 27, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Rosie Red Colorful Adventures’ By Ziggy, , Rosie Red who is a cartoon mushroom have tons of adventures with her friends who are different cartoon animals and have special skills which always comes in handy to get them out of a sticky situation. A learning moment is always followed after the situation is under control.July 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Park Bench’ By Margret Frazier, , It is about a journey through life but seen from a different way through a tree. A journey with a special family through time and changes and the wonderful way that things come full circle.July 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Right Place, Right Time, A Dog Named Bjorn’ By Vicki Schneider Cousley, , A twenty-something woman whose life is a self-induced mess meets up with a gay guy whose got it all together, but no one to share it with. Mistaking him for an Uber driver, Veta engages Lonnie against his better judgement, and the two head to the nearest Hilton to work off her ex-boyfriend's stolen gift card. She takes chances -- lots of chances -- he thinks that would be grand theft. They decide amid pool lounging and cocktails they may be the best thing for each other...along with a doodle dog named Bjorn.July 26, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Slappy The Seal’ By Piper Smith, , This is a story of a seal name slappy who lives in the zoo,with some of his friends and close family...Take a journey with us as we show you how wonderful our Zoo is.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘I’M SORRY’ By *TBD, , "I'm sorry." These were the last words spoken to me by my fiance, a man I had loved for 15 years, as he was escorted by police out of our shared future. Life is not fair; no one promised it would be. One of the most devastating conditions is simultaneously one of tbe most silenced. Brilliance and madness is a fine line. Responsibility and accountabilty arre difficult constructs. It's an uncomfortable story...yet it was my reality.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program short-story who-will-save-the-hero-tales-of-chosen-ones-slaying-the-demons-within
‘The Twelfth of Never’ By Romy Barnett, , Maggie's life is in a controlled tailspin. She's got a cheating husband and a somewhat stalled academic career that she doesn't even want. As the new academic year is starting, she meets a fellow doctoral student who at first repulses her but as they spend time together, she finds herself increasingly attracted to. This short story isn't necessarily about a romance or a failed marriage but a consideration of what ultimately attracts us to others.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Those Who Feel No Pain’ By Sirius, , In the heart of London, there is a mad, disabled scientist who calls himself The Mariner. Snubbed by his peers and nearly penniless from his experiments, he works tirelessly by sewing human corpses to the tails of oarfish and submerging them in a jelly of his own creation. By giving them life, he seeks to fill the Thames with mermaids, and in the process hopes to earn the patronage of Queen Victoria.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The ’68 Special’ By Julia Fitzgerald Gordon, , My father in 1968 fed a city that was trapped in Snow and Ice for 2 weeks. He was a remarkable man, who was able to take care of common folks in a despite situation.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Testament of Sikarra Reficul (Arrakis Lucifer) backwards’ By Hahaiah Pinnoculus, , The story begins in the “heavens” when the last 3 kingdoms remain. Venus is currently married to the god of light, however has a extramarital affair with the god of war. Unbeknownst to Venus, Her husband, being omnipotent, the Most High god had already warned his brother and said if he continued to sleep with his wife there would be dire consequences. Needing him not, just one more time, right? The affair ceases as Venus comes contritely whole of heart to her husband “I have had an affair, I am sorry.” More than happy to take her back, he is moved by her overwhelming honesty and is saddened because the god of war is still his brother and he knows his brother loved her very much, as does he. Everyone loved Venus, she is the goddess of love after all. But within weeks she falls pregnant, and intuitively the Most High God of light knows the babies are not both his. He vows to raise them both anyway and says to his wife the affair is over let us not anger the god of war now. It is best we keep this to ourselves. However, the day the babies are born, Venus’s sister Artemis, in a fit of jealous rage because she has never been queen anywhere not even once, not only has her sister assassinated, but orders a nurse by the name of Reficul, to take the female baby to the woods and see to it no one even knows she was born or she will end up just like her sister. However, the nurse feeds the newborn goats milk, and in the morning brings the baby to the God of Light and tells him the whole truth of the incident. He takes the baby from her and says “thank you nurse Reficul. You will be honored forever because of this deed of bravery. If ever Artemis questions you in the future say you did just so. He then brings the baby to the kingdom of the Essene, to the orphanage, and leaves an anonymous note. Here is my daughter, Sikarra Reficul. Please take care of her, one day she may save us from each other. Within a short time, the god of Light marries Artemis, never revealing only to better keep an eye on her evil designs. She becomes the queen she wanted to be so badly. The book then picks back up when Sikarra is 10 years old as an orphan who will become greatly skilled in war despite her tiny stature, and will follow her through adult hood, even to the fall landing her in the garden of Eden. She falls in love with her half twin brother, never knowing until age 26 that they were related this entire time, in the tremendous coverup. Everything is okay until she finds out he has agreed to be the Christ sent to earth. Then their lives are turned upside down. In the garden of Eden she is Adam’s first wife, and they nickname her Beast because she loves the animals aka Beasts of the field more than her “husband” who treats her with much emotional cruelty. Initially her memory is wiped, and she cannot even recall how she got there. Letting it be known she hates the name Beast, the other woman, Adam’s second wife, whom they called Beauty, asks, “how about Lilith?” And the beast told the Beauty that she loved that name very much.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Rock N Roll 101 – Murphy’s Law’ By David Aaron, , "Be careful what you wish for..." The trials and tribulations of an aspiring young rock band who's big break gig teetered on potential disaster.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘All Monkey’s Like Bananas!’ By Callie Shaw, , All Monkey's Like Bananas! Is a book that helps elementary school age children explore, accept and express their individuality.July 25, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Jihadists’ By Alexander Hall, , The story/plot is centered around a near-retirement intelligence officer who is tasked with stopping a major global terrorist plot. The perpetrators hold positions of power in many of the world's major governments and corporations. The story is based loosely on recent and past geopolitical events.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Jade’s Escape’ By Donna Mullins, , Have you ever been in a situation where there was nowhere to hide? Well Jade has been and the thought of being free was more than she thought would be possible. With the help of an ex-lawman turned PI, she was able to do just that. What happens is a mystery with plots and twists along the way. Being abused was not the plan that Jade had for herself and was glad when she thought that she had escaped. Or had she? I know the ramifications of being abused and was overwhelmed with how to get out and stay out. Jade has done the same.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Failed Saviour: Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyds, , I'm a hermaphrodite male who was born into a Gnostic Christian cult, and I was groomed to be the 2nd coming of Christ and cause the rapture. I failed to do so, and have been outcast by my entire family and everyone I used to know, because I didn't sacrifice myself for their religious delusion.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Failed Saviour: Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyds, , I'm a hermaphrodite male who was born into a Gnostic Christian cult, and I was groomed to be the 2nd coming of Christ and cause the rapture. I failed to do so, and have been outcast by my entire family and everyone I used to know, because I didn't sacrifice myself for their religious delusion.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Failed Saviour: Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyds, , I'm a hermaphrodite male who was born into a Gnostic Christian cult, and I was groomed to be the 2nd coming of Christ and cause the rapture. I failed to do so, and have been outcast by my entire family and everyone I used to know, because I didn't sacrifice myself for their religious delusion.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Failed Saviour: Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyds, , I'm a hermaphrodite male who was born into a Gnostic Christian cult, and I was groomed to be the 2nd coming of Christ and cause the rapture. I failed to do so, and have been outcast by my entire family and everyone I used to know, because I didn't sacrifice myself for their religious delusion.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Failed Saviour: Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyds, , I'm a hermaphrodite male who was born into a Gnostic Christian cult, and I was groomed to be the 2nd coming of Christ and cause the rapture. I failed to do so, and have been outcast by my entire family and everyone I used to know, because I didn't sacrifice myself for their religious delusion.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Failed Saviour: Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyds, , I'm a hermaphrodite male who was born into a Gnostic Christian cult, and I was groomed to be the 2nd coming of Christ and cause the rapture. I failed to do so, and have been outcast by my entire family and everyone I used to know, because I didn't sacrifice myself for their religious delusion.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Buchenwald’ By Angela Mailander, , My aunt was serving a life sentence at Buchenwald, but was released in a prisoner exchange program after nine years. The (very short) story is about what gave her hope and made life possible in that cruel prison.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘La Llorona and the Veil’ By Patricia Gonzalez, , A retelling of the American Southwest legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman. A story of infidelity, betrayal and sorrow.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘La Llorona and the Veil’ By Patricia Gonzalez, , A retelling of the American Southwest legend of La Llorona, the weeping woman. A story of infidelity, betrayal and sorrow.July 24, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘My Malady’ By Renaego, , How are young woman overcame her trauma to become a wounded healer?July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘HEART TRUMPS KNEE’ By Nancy Napolitano, , Love changes faces as we age. A heartwarming story of love and family. As the saying goes, "old age is not for sissies," It sometimes requires courage and sacrifice.July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘The Lady in Red’ By Jon Daniels, , His job always took him to the randiest of places. This time, a businessman's wife has an ax to grind, and he finds the man red-handed, quite literally, in the arms of his lover. Job's done. Pictures taken. Time to go. Right?July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Follow Me’ By Harold Hoss, , An ambitious aspiring influencer learns the cost of fame when she downloads an app from the dark web that promises to bring her new followers.July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘People on the side of the highway ‘ By Eva J Burke, , Samara is driving to work one morning and there’s a line of people walking on the side of the highway. They are all going in the same direction. People who have abandoned their cars, all looking up towards the sky and all walking in step with each other. She continues to work, avoiding cars in the middle of the road. She sees a car intentionally wreck his car and join the march. When she arrives at work there are only a few cars in the parking lot. She calls her best friend. They compare notes on the strange activities of the morning. It gets worse as the day goes on. Soon Samara sees that there’s more to what’s going on and she wonders if she’ll survive day.July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Referral’ By Eileen Beirne, , Handyman and his wife take a reticent homeowner on a path of terror and anxiety while installing a garage door opener.July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program artificial-morality short-story
‘The Professional Taster Of Foods’ By Eileen Beirne, , Man dies suddenly while cooking. What brought him to this precipice and how deliciously he fell over it.July 23, 2023Votealive-from-the-core anthology-program short-story
‘Love in Wartime’ By Eileen Beirne, , Woman looking for love at a meet up date finds more than she bargained for. Blood, guts and indifference. The spell is broken, reality rears its ugly head.July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program artificial-morality short-story
‘Faith or destiny’ By Miss M., , It’s a story about my grandmother life…an intricate web , spun trough a few decades …and more will developed, more passion will be add to it . A life of a woman who lived trough two world wars and she lived to tell the stories .July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-biography short-story
‘Atelophobia’ By ALITTLECROW, , A young girl has gotten into his chosen university and now he is feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Her parent's expectations, how she will get her grades in, and having to take care of herself. Subtlety she notices it is usually quiet and it is until she looks to the next cabin that she discovers dead bodies. Horrified to see them, she finds in the next strain that this has become the new home of a Cockatrice. She is seeking to make this place her nest and eat all the humans including the conductor. It has become a runaway train.July 23, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘R!OT’ By Kevin Barchas, , Once 16, I produced a short narrative about a robot that learns to love. Six years later, I'd become much like that: the humanoid reminiscent of my movie.July 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘My Dead Piggy: A Tormented Boy’ By professorjpj, , This a true short story of a Young boy tormented by bullies in 1976, via the use and/or abuse of his recently dead furry friend. 100 percent Authentic short memoir.July 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Powers That Be’ By Linda Ruhle, , Innumerable deaths from ecological disasters on planet Earth are creating chaos at the Pearly Gates.July 22, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Failed Saviour – Autobiography of an American Yogi’ By Jay Kyda, , I was born into a gnostic Christians cult, who believed I was the 2nd coming of christ. I was groomed since birth by a network of Pythagorean Illuminati. I want to craft a memoir but I need guidance and legal advice.July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Live On Our Stage’ By Ken Goldman, , Newlyweds Michael and Megan Rowan are baffled that the hotel in which they are vacationing features a revue in which they seem to be the only members of the audience. Mire baffling is the act itself that features twin brothers who impersonate less than entertaining characters.July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The artist at midnight’ By Yessenia Guzman, , starving artist wanting to be recognized no matter what it takes by showing the Arts of death as he called it after feeling as a artist in the city of Los Angeles do all of his murders drive him crazy or does he gets exactly what he wants s the exploring the deepest darkest parts of himself May our own mind drive us to Madness in this day and ageJuly 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘River Dreams’ By Charles Bullock, , River Dreams examines the complex dynamics of Religion and Spirituality within the Afro American Cultural landscape. The Devine. The Mystical. Scandal and Intrigue all collide at the River!July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Splashing in Puddles’ By michael watkins, , Walking into the emergency clinic with two big dogs while holding a beer. Will I get seen by a doctor or end up in jail?July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘That’s what it is’ By michael watkins, , I discover a stranger staying in my shed. Instead of calling the cops I have other ideas. And that unfolds in the story.July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Out’ By Syren, , The end of the world approaches. Like the memory of a ghost from a dream, existence itself threatens to cease. Four people attempt to escape their fate as they travel out, and their reality becomes distorted, the lines between real and imagine becoming blurred and forgotten. July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘When the phone rings’ By Purple star, , Well it's about a busy woman whom always sacrifices her needs because the phone constantly rings for he strong bold advise while her life is falling apart she is directing everyone to fame fournate n their true protential until she truly fed up and when the phone begans to ring again she tells everyone her true story of how boldly broken the world and those calls have left herJuly 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Captain Crook and the four seasons of time’ By Gregory Weiford, , Get ready to take a journey on a pirate ship. Get your sea legs on and weather the storms of battle for untold treasures.July 21, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘They Called Me Bozo’ By Rick Capello, , A child born an raised in Hawaii is United with two families and a group of uncles and aunties, as the Hawaiian culture dictates. He doesn’t know his biological parents, but the relationships he makes creates the person he becomes.July 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘The last Dollar’ By Bridget Aubrey, , Leaving an abusive partner.July 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘David’ By RL Criswell, , A mother reflecting on the life and death of her oldest child as she tries to find a way to keep going on with life.July 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘2004’ By BM, , 2004 is the year that everything went downhill for my childhood. I was 13 years old, yet I had to act like I was 33 years old. The unfortunate choices from my mother have forced me to abandon my childhood at its peak. Drugs, Sex, Jail, and bad choices all led to this point and I never had a choice.July 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Finding Light’ By Pamela Bhatia, , In January 2011, Pamela Bhatia closed her photography studio to relocate to India with her husband, two boys, and their dog. As their plane touched down at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Bhatia woke her boys and exited the flight. A new phase of their life as a family had begun, and she could feel her stomach churning with anxiety. In a compelling memoir, Bhatia shares a candid glimpse into her vulnerable journey as she raised her boys in a third-world country, just prior to the killing of Osama bin Laden. While detailing her thoughts and unique personal experiences that tested everything she knew and believed in, Bhatia offers inspiring messages around her broken marriage, missing purpose, culture conflicts, differences in opinion of what a successful woman, wife, and mother should be, and her eventual trip back to America. Throughout her narrative, Bhatia encourages and empowers others to summon the inner strength to overcome life’s greatest challenges and create their ideal life. Finding Light is the memoir of an award-winning internaional photographer who journeyed with her family to India and ultimately to the light that led her home.July 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Illegal Heirs’ By Timothy Sparks, , In 1865 a stagecoach was robbed near Portneuf Idaho. Wells Fargo claimed a loss of $86,000. The gold has never been recovered. In this story boys with the last names of the robbers dedicate their lives to finding the gold now worth millions.July 20, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Graceland’ By Lance Watson, , After a vaccine goes completely wrong, millions of people around the world suffer an illness, making them act like bloodthirsty creatures, known as "eaters". A young 16-year-old boy named Gray Silva must now embark on a journey, to a place where survival isn't an option, a plane where eaters don't exist, and a land where he believes his parents are alive at, Graceland.July 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘That Game They Play’ By Draevnn Motkova, , For most people, life is about family, friends, employment, and death. But for one couple, Giovanni and Zita, the bumpy road takes a turn off the beaten path. The average turns extraordinary and becomes something no one would ever want to miss.July 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Aging Gratefully’ By Tinat, , From unknowingly not knowing who she was to becoming aware of the woman she has aged into.July 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Fighting Gravity’ By TM Fletcher, , A World War II era story about a girl with a passion for photography and yearning for escape from her small town life. Follow her adventures to get away from all that holds her back. She is a strong willed and ready for the next chapter. Join Jules Garner in this southern based story chronicling her exciting journey to follow her dreams to find her heart.July 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Love, Lies, & Secrets’ By J. A. Chester, , When music production student D’Marques Henderson moves to metro Atlanta to find love, happiness, and success, he encounters way more than he bargained for. The shy, hopelessly romantic D’Marques meets a man that is too good to be true, but holds all of the qualities he’s ever wished for in a person. Despite the uneasiness in the pit of his stomach, he goes head first for Tayshaun. Tayshaun is a man of many talents; talents that reach far beyond the scope of music and business, but he’s also a man tormented by demons and lies. When the two embark upon a passionately physical affair, D’Marques gets introduced to Tayshaun’s secrets and becomes engulfed in a downward spiral of darkness and deceit.July 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘The Pen Pal’ By Colette Pratt, , Alicia Gates finds herself at a crossroad: she is nine months away from being released from prison. With nowhere to go and no support she comes across a pen pal list and decides to start corresponding with a stranger, hoping to pass the time. What transpires is a life changing connection that shows her that there truly are good people in the worldJuly 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Honey Bunny Greatest Adventure ‘ By Therese Woods, , Honey Bunny travels the globe collecting new flavors from around as she makes new friends with her assistant Apple BunnyJuly 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Divine Intervention from Above’ By Paula Zahratka, , A story about how God worked in my lifeJuly 19, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘”Sam’s Corner”‘ By N/A, , This is a short story about an officer who took the time to get to know a homeless person who needed help when he was down in his life. Also, it is dedicated to all the young man and women who chose the profession of law enforcement. To leave their families behind at home while they went out to serve their community with no guarantee of returning home at the end of their shift.July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘The Alice Adaptation ‘ By Leah Dewey, , What if Alice was in the real world and suffering from a delusional psychosis? How would she survive? How would the world change?July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘This Old House’ By Patricia Bullock, , One summer day when Daisy was 12, she found an old abandon little house on the property next door. She would play and pretend it was her castle. As she got older, she cleaned it up and Jack her brother helped her with the yard and repair the old iron fence surrounding the house. One summer she met Dusty, he was the son of the man that owned the farm. He was so handsome and really nice, and Daisy fell totally in love with Dusty. She became friends with Callie, Dusty's sister and as she got older, she never got over her first crush. When she turned 17 dusty kissed her for the first time and she was so happy. Dusty proposed and they made plans for their future.July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Delay is not denial’ By Ruby Smith, , Would you say that 12 years is along time for dealing with a health issue? Twelve years of dealing with a health issue might have you asking God, "How long Lord, how long must I have to deal with this?" The woman with an issue of blood in my story found out that her healing was delayed but not denied. She found out that He may not come when you want Him but He's always right on time. The woman with an issue of blood found out that giving up or giving in was not an option. The question that comes to mind is how bad do you want your healing? Read my story=Delay is not Denial= and find out what comes out of distress and despair. Read my story and find out that the woman with the issue of blood gave all her money to the human doctor to no avail. Find out what she brought to the Great Physician to secure her healing. When you get tired of being sick and tired, when you get tired of hurting and moving in pain, it is then that you will do whatever it takes for you to receive your healing. When demand reaches out for supply,the supplier will supply. When your sickness reaches out for a cure, your healer will heal. On the pages of my story we see that the woman with the issue of blood did not choose giving up as an option. She chose to get to Jesus by any means possible. She was blessed, strengthen, and healed because she pressed thru!! There is a blessing in the pressing. Be blessed, be encouraged and may your spirit be uplifted.July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘As Above So Below ‘ By Zack Golden, , Josh, close to the end of his semester of his second year in community college, is a lonely boy. Tonight, he must be at a dorm party, but, before, he must do the chores. His daily life is no longer holding steady, his future seems unknown and unwelcoming, and the apartment he lives at isn't what it seems. Soon, the world of Joshs own creation, we'll soon trap him forever.July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Sheryl Manson: Cry For Help’ By Sum Dude Name Tone, , This story is about a woman thats has been dealing with trauma from all angles but takes her frustrations out on those who show genuine respect so she lashes out until she finds the light at an interesting moment enjoy!July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Reflection’ By Yasmin M. Khan, , This is the story a creature who falls in love with the moon. TRIGGER WARNINGS: Elon Musk, head injury, foul language.July 18, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Familiarity’ By S. M. Anderson, , This story follows our Narrator, a combat veteran, as she relives parts of her life that are familiar but daunting as she makes the delayed journey to inpatient care.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program short-story who-will-save-the-hero-tales-of-chosen-ones-slaying-the-demons-within
‘Familiarity’ By S. M. Anderson, , ws our Narrator, a combat veteran, as she relives parts of her life that are familiar but daunting as she makes the delayed journey toJuly 17, 2023Voteanthology-program short-story who-will-save-the-hero-tales-of-chosen-ones-slaying-the-demons-within
‘The Stranger’ By Vanessa N. Perez, , A haunted house. A mysterious voice on the phone. Marian thinks she made it big. At least on the surface, it seems she has. She lives in a big city, has an enormous penthouse all to herself, and has found immense success as an actress. Though sometimes, she still thinks about the big house by the sea, with the chipped blue key and the monster lurking in the shadows. When a voice calls her on the phone, Marian has to decide what it is she truly wants: to continue living a lie or confront the past she has been running from all her life.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Chimso Visits the Tyler Rose Garden ‘ By Chismontue Paintint Pony & Ady, , Chimso is a miniature horse that gets into trouble for eating the Tuler Roses. Ue goes before the city judge and while paying his debt to society, learns he has a quite a talent.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-positive-social-transformation short-story
‘Inside Job’ By Tucker Struyk, , A hard-boiled detective, a burglary, a murder, and at the center of it all is a drop dead gorgeous sex worker. No one is who they appear to be. Who can Detective Wilmot trust? Who will the killer go after next?July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Immortal’ By DJ Robbins, , A man is granted immortality and on his 300th birthday misses his loved ones that are long gone and pleads with death to let him die.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Grounds’ By Eddy, , While exploring the grounds of his of his newly leased carriage house, Anthony stumbles upon an overgrown mass of vegetation on a ruin of a building.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Did I Raise a Mass Murderer? : When doing the right thing goes horribly wrong’ By Lawrence Butts, , This is a true story that I wrote for an elderly gentleman about his years of raising his son and the events that led up to his son's mental breakdown. Although he wishes to remain anonymous, everything in this book is based on his memories of nearly 50 years of living with his son. Everything within this book describes what really happened. It documents the decades of events that shed light on how and why his son transformed into someone who could commit mass murder.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story
‘A Little Princess Lost, In A Tiny World ‘ By Anthony Reyes, , “A Little Princess Lost in A Tiny World” finds a young princess who is faced with the pressure and hardships of being a growing child living in an adult world of War. In order to keep her natural innocence she allows herself to find sanctuary within the imaginary and magical world of the Kingdom of Forever Possible: A place where everything beautiful, magical, and of peace is absolutely real. Sometimes with everything a child is faced with in the adult world, finding themselves lost within such a place as the Kingdom of the Forever Possible is just what it takes to get away from it all. A way to keep the innocence of the child within us alive and well.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Mermaids and kids’ By Teresa Hooper, , Death and life story of my amazing mother who no one knew anything about her secret life.July 17, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘TO LOVE AGAIN ❤️’ By Priscilla Fuller, , Story of a highly successful black woman of 69 whose husband died 16 years ago. She had moved back to her hometown and falls into a tricky relationship with a high school crush.she deals with the new nuisances of dating in 2023.July 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Poetry ‘ By Phelia, , My childhood years of how I wished I could have gotten to know both of my grandmothers! I was told they were some amazing ladies!July 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘Mindset lifeset’ By Tina Ober, , All about the mindset and the power of positive thinking. Explains what mindset is and how it affects each of us. How to identify and eliminate negative thought patterns and replace with a growth mindset and positive thought patterns.July 16, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘”THE LEGEND OF CORNBREAD SAM…..HE LIVES!”‘ By rednael, , A visit to a small town tourist attraction introduced me to a living legend! His name was / is Cornbread Sam and he "haunts" the hallways of Minaret Manor every night. He's looking for someone.....anyone.....to share a lifetime passion with him. Take a ride with me to Minaret Manor and I will gladly introduce him to you. And just to be safe.....bring some cornbread with you!July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Aha Noom!’ By Shuchita Rao, , This short memoir describes the journey of recovery of our 26 year old son after spending nine days in coma and ten days in rehabilitation due to a head injury caused in an unexpected road accident in Ecuador. As a young toddler who was learning to express himself through words and language, he had once surprised us while on a car ride, by looking out of the car window and spontaneously blurting out the words “Aha Noom” at the sight of a radiant, full moon in the night sky. The night before our son was to be discharged from a hospital in Quito, Ecuador, we (his parents) spontaneously pointed out a luminous full moon in the sky from the hospital room’s window. Together, with tears of happiness streaming down from our eyes, we whispered “Aha Noom!” The dark night of our lives was about to pass and soon we would be able to see the golden sun!July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Who will save Christmas’ By Phillip Helmbright, , Santa is informed that Rudolph is sick and will not be able to be the lead reindeer. Santa an associate take off to Mrs prancer's school for Young bucks.On the way Santa gets lost in in avalanche on the frozen tundra, and the rescue is on.July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘The Bullies ‘ By Rebecca Siehr, , This is about an experience that I had in fifth and sixth grade, and how I overcame it years later.July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-biography short-story
‘Life is Hard, Love Harder.’ By Mercedes Cortez, , Janet believes she's found her soulmate, however, he may not be everything she thought he was. Moms always know best; Janet takes her life lessons to heart, proving to Mother Dearest that she was always listening.July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘The good, the bad and the ugly’ By Beth Padgett, , Family dynamics encompassing all three character traitsJuly 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘China Man’ By Charles Thompson, , As a youth I had cherished an old lamp my father had created from a wooden craving he had brought back from China during his time in World War II.Towards the end of his life he sent me the lamp in the mail which is now a constant reminder of his love for me.July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Street People’ By Charles Thompson, , I am a plein air painter that is inspired by nature and the people I meet when painting outdoors. I have painted exclusively for the last forty years finding great beauty in nature and my surroundings in New England.July 15, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Silly boy silly dog’ By Mariellen Lashoones, , This is the story of a special needs child who finds a helper and friend in a service dog.July 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘In the beginning ‘ By Hannibal Ryan, , Story of a alternate world were men give birth to the children and a guy from the other world wakes up in this nightmare reality and struggles to not stand outJuly 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Brooke Shields eyebrows’ By Eddie McSween, , Short story of my journey of body dysmorphia, how it started, where it all began, how cruel sharp words contributed to my developing BDD in my teenage years, to manage it to this day. From early childhood childish daydreams of transforming into a Brooke Shields lookalike to its more serious impacts on my feelings of appearance and in turn self worth and self confidence. This story is not without humour, as the writer I am able to look back with out anger, to not hold onto feelings of self pity; something I view as a tragedy if I ever let self pity win this battle. From the time I had dog shit kicked at me, with the best Steven Gerrard esque kick, to when I was told " your body is not as good as it used to be" just two weeks after giving birth to my first child, you may feel to weep, but I promise you'll also laugh. I story tell with graphic detail, not holding back from opening my soul nor afraid to feel judged for a disorder I believe makes one fairly self absorbed; it's taken me a long time to tell this tale.July 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Haunting of Oakwood Manot’ By Cathy LaForge Tonkin, , We bought Oakwood Manor in 1997 from Pearl Cornwall who was 82 years old and sad to see her home go. My husband and I were thrilled to own this historic house. Little did we know what we were in for.July 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Forever’ By Serenity Landon, , A love story …. That real love can last foreverJuly 14, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘They Are Trying To Kill Me’ By Ce’, , My first 911 call started like a funny nightmare and continued until my release from the hospitalJuly 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘A trip with MaMa & PaPa ‘ By FlyLilDove, , A story I made up about a fun day and trip with my great grandparents that I would never forget!!!July 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Haunted House’ By D.L.Garvin, , After a poor farmer has been wronged by the local town out of pure greed. the farmer after his death unleashes a curse that could destroy the town and everyone in it.July 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The grey’ By D.L.Garvin, , The ghost of a rich philanthropist's daughter angrily haunts the library which bears the name of her late father after leaving the majority of his wealth to the library. leaving her with next to nothingJuly 13, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘A chip in the mask’ By cody kennebeck, , This is a story to take you into a world very similar to ours yet very different at the same time. A world where creatures of the night prowl just out of sight. This story follows Shun Kurosami who looks innocent enough but he is actually a vampire. Follow Shun for a peek behind the curtain of a world we humans were never meant to see. Remember, don't get caught.July 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Simple ‘ By Ginger, , Simple is a little girl born last to a family of 8 always looking to fit in, find her place and hear her own voiceJuly 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Silaque’ By Colleen Chestnut, , Silaque is an elf who’s family is killed by dwarves and she is adopted by a dragon. When a wizard come to steal a ring from the dragon and ends up killing him silaque will seek him out for revenge meeting some friends along the way.July 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘You are what you Eat’ By Cantor Mitch, , A man accidentally eats radiated food and begins to see auras in people who possess violent tendencesJuly 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘You are what you Eat’ By Cantor Mitch, , ly eats radiated food and begins to see auras in people who possess vJuly 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘On Holy Ground’ By Cantor Mitch, , A woman with a collectable shop finds that her house and property are on sacred burial grounds with mysterious powersJuly 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Tent City’ By Cantor Mitch, , A homeless man finds a lottery ticket, then begins to live a life of luxury only to go back and choose to be homelessJuly 12, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Art Therapy’ By Anthony Taylor, , The summer after his high school graduation in 1971, Phil Stone, a child of divorce, was to stay with his mom in Dorward, a fading hour from the coast central New England industrial city, where his mom had found him a job working as an order picker in a warehouse. The idea was to earn money to help with college expenses. When Phil arrives, his mom is shocked at signs of Phil's emotional deterioration, persistent insomnia, depression and anxiety brought on by a combination of loneliness, academic pressures, and his dad's unrelenting sternness. Sensing Phil's vulnerability, a wise cracking group of younger employees at the warehouse fix him up with an overweight and dowdy co- worker. In desperation Phil quits his job and enrolls as an out-patient in an art therapy class at Dorward State Hospital. He likes his gentle and understanding art therapist and does a series of pictures that symbolize Phil's nervous state and the events that led up to it as well as his hopes and fears for the future. The art therapy class features a mid-session break in which tea and cookies are served and patients have a chance e to socialize with each other. Other patients in various stages of adolescent situational crises interest Phil, one of whom, Liz, he dates. On a pleasant summer day they wander off, exploring the lush natural setting of the hospital grounds. Liz invites Phil to meet his folks, with whom she is staying as she deals with her own adolescent emotional crisis. Phil likens how his relationship nears a stalemate to "the blind helping the blind", what often happens when two neurotic young adults meet in a therapeutic setting and try their luck in a romantic relationship,July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Ms. Lilys Surprize!’ By Bonnie Donovan, , An old lady (Ms. Lily)who has a friend name Farmer Joe and her many adventures with the animals who live in her house, a pig, a mouse, a cat And a dog. Each story has a hidden Surprize!July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Hayden and Le Trou De Lapin’ By Carrie Dixon, , Hayden is a young girl who is living in isolation in a Post Pandemic world and inherits a love for reading. She meets a mysterious librarian with a loud personality and an enormous secret. This librarian entrusts Hayden with the secret books she keeps in her library which send her on amazing adventures she could have never imagined. Hayden has the opportunity to meet many fascinating characters who she grows to love and develop deep friendships with. She also comes to learn that with these adventures comes sacrifice and she must decide how the story ends.July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Musings of a Marigold’ By FAY SMITH, , Somehow I feel like she has considered killing my sibling. She has good intentions I know, she wants me to have the best chance I can, but why should my sibling have to make that sacrifice?July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-biography short-story
‘An Encounter With God’ By Terrace White, , This is a short story about the redeeming power of God. After months and months of playing double Dutch and phone tag with life, Terrace finally answered the call when God called his name on a Sunday morning back in 1994. The struggle to stand up and step out was real. Nevertheless, through determination to be obedient and by the grace and mercy of God, Terrace prevailed and have never looked back. Answering the call during an intimate encounter with God can be life changing and the best decision anyone can make.July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘There Is Something At The Door’ By Tina Herranen, , A doorbell camera senses a presence at the front door. Maybe.July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘The Great Scary Ms. Harrington’ By Kendria Brown, , Mekhi Evander Maximillian Jones hates eggs. He also hates nannies, and is not too fond of Ms. Harrington, his parents' latest selection. Having an extensive history of running nannies away, Mekhi is doesn't sweat Ms. Harrington too much; however, he soon finds out that, in her, he has finally met his match.July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Journey to Boggy Depot’ By Steve Miller, , This is fictional story of a boy who became a man. His journey greatly influenced by bilingual/bicultural societies and world travels. His journey is packed with adventure and danger as he makes his way bach home again.July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Throwback’ By Diane Timpone, , Sometimes we just don't see what's right in front of us.July 11, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-families-relationships short-story
‘Trafficked by a narcissist ‘ By Kim, , She would do anything for him but really should she. One day he asked her about her fantasy.....She told him but she should have reviled her secret of wanting to have sex with multiple men. Because......July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘The moon and I ‘ By Francesca Gulli, , The moon has a different glow tonight It is called Hope For any pure Sou who’s awaken at this very moment Please join me to a silent prayer of healing and renewal ~~~~~~~~~. ~~~~~~~~~ She laid there In Silence The ceiling fan flow of air gave her chills down her spine She just recalled falling asleep with just a towel wrapped around her Soul A salt lamp dimming her dreams to just a whisper a prayer the ancient moon she so loves a stare away A faraway sound a night owl macabre melancholic chants Not a leaf sound yet such noise within 3 am time Same bittersweet taste down her throat one breath in one out Time to grab paper and pen and lay out a prayer a wish to a lit aromatic candle.. her favorite soy vanilla spice.. she just loved the way it glommed on creating shadows of ghostly memories of Home...To hold on too or just Letting go...I’ll think about it tomorrow.. Oh wait it is tomorrow…July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Because He Lives’ By Pam Jackson, , God chose me to be a missionary. Me? I’m just a nobody with a heart for Christ. At first, I thought why am I thinking about this all the time. Suddenly, my husband came to me with a vision. My husband, once a non-believer, not knowing what God had laid in my heart, but God! God showed him where we going? Once he shared, the lighted path started glowing ever so brightly, until here we were, living in a new country. Journey with me as I reveal the lighted path that God guided us down on our journey. He lives. He’s true to His word. And, He allows challenges and detours to grow you.July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Biquet’ By FAY SMITH, , How do you say goodbye to a friend?July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Biquet’ By FAY SMITH, , How do you say goodbye to a friend?July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Life Lessons From a Little Red Bike’ By Fred Moehrle, , My father taught me how to ride a bike, but I wound up learning so much more. I outgrew my first two-wheeler many years ago, but the lessons I learned will stay with me for a life time.July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Stoned Spirit’ By T.D. Ricketts, , When he bought his farm he didnt know it was haunted. This ghost was like no ghost story he had ever read. It was on a mission and he had to help. Between the dog the ghost and their crazy antics he was going nuts.July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Memory’s Mist’ By JT Welch, , This story is a tear-jerker set in a Renaissance-style village. It begins with the main character having lost his memory and searching for clues as to who he is and where he came from. Nearby villagers find him and take him prisoner as a precaution, untrusting of his claim to loss of memory, so that in addition to rediscovering who he is, he must also convince them in order to survive.July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Thirty Seconds’ By JT Welch, , This short story takes place within thirty seconds and describes the musings of an old crippled "people watcher," a former philosophy and psychology teacher, who's surly senile impatience causes him to miss the opportunity to receive generosity from a pair of teenagers he had been observing during his wait for the bus.July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Thank You Anita’ By Ellen Lewis, , Was it the blouse I wore or the way I laughed at his jokes? I was never sure why, but WAS always sure that it was something I wore, did or said that sent the signal of availability or susceptibility. Thank you Anita Hill for sharing your story so I could tell mine!July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Beach Lovers’ Elation ‘ By Art Ric, , BEACH LOVERS' ELATION It was a cozy, soft, starry, moonlit kind of night a man/woman dazzled and mesmerized by their love. They had no desire to see the coming of morning sunlight. They strolled with hands entwined on wet warm beach land. Their feelings were of joy anticipating sharing warm wet kisses. She is his lady of preference; he's her mighty king of a man! They loved without concerns of strangers passing by. Like ocean and land embracing without shame so did they. He is the owner of the magnificent beach is the reason why. Tantalizing flows of sea breezes engulfed them, coercing and provoking sweet sensations as they have done so many times. He lifted her head for another lip/tounge dance exchange then whispered in her ear, I am yours, you'll always be mine! Forced by a potent gravitational pull they again kissed lips. She alone could instantly enflame fiery sensations within him with her walk and eye catching movements of erotic full hips. With swiftness he lifted her from her feet and anxiously carried her to their private room filled with sweet, soft, rose petals. He proposed and prior to morning sunlight they were married! By: Poet Art Ric Written: 02-20-2015July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘When A Woman Loves Her Msn’ By Art Ric, , WHEN A WOMAN LOVES HER MAN When a woman loves her man, if he respects, treats her lovingly by his side she’ll forever stand. When a woman loves her man she will keep him strong, for him, she will do everything she can. When a woman loves her man, and if he is good to her she will always hold firmly to his hands. When she’s truly in love with him she’ll assure he ranks high and totally ignore all the rest of them. When a woman loves her man she’ll keep him happy by making love to him over and over again! When she’s in love with her man she’ll cook him tasty meals by pulling out the pots and pans. When a woman loves her man and it’s well reciprocated she’ll please him every way she can. When she’s in love with her man there’s no need for him to worry about another holding her hand! When she loves there be no pain, for his acts of love, she won’t permit him to sleep in cold rain. When a woman loves her man, and if he is good to her she will always hold firmly to his hands! When a woman loves her man, if he respects, treats her lovingly by his side she’ll forever stand! Poet Art Ric Composed: 09-06–2022July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The Silent Stare’ By Diane Timpone, , Based on emotionsJuly 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘As It Is Above, So It Is Below ‘ By Kevin Cummings, , An autobiographical story about my childhood dream of becoming a subway motorman told through the eyes of an inquisitive wide-eyed seven year old boy.July 10, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Next Day was different for him’ By Keith Burkholder, , Daryl was on Earth one day and then vanished and went elsewhere in the solar system.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Tale of Little Hawk’ By Penny Moon, , A young hawk grows up to be an extraordinary transformatiom, mythical.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A Date With Destiny’ By Rico Provasoli, , A young doctor this side of suicide escapes the stress of living large and bodily harm from a poker room's collection goon when he breaks from his schedule of morning patients to drive a gorgeous woman to her guru's commune.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Planet Sunflower ‘ By BStarr, , A troubled writer throws a request out there on social media - How did we meet? And make it the best lie you can think of. A wild fire ensues of hilarious, entertaining responses that ultimately unfolds into a short story… one that begins to pulsate as a new life on a new planet.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘The Thirteenth Turtle ‘ By Andrew Libera, , A journey of 13 turtles and their journey across a vast oceanJuly 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Unhealthy Confidence’ By Diane Timpone, , Life or Death, DecisionJuly 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-self-help-personal-development short-story
‘Water in the Western Sky’ By Erica Chung, , Twenty-seven year old Changli has spent most of her life answering to the oppressive and exploitative Jonggu government. One catastrophic tsunami later, Changli is swept into the celestial land of her home country and her life overturned as she meets guardians of the earth and heavens intent on helping her avenge her country's destruction. In an epic adventure, Changli must face her invisible oppressors, conquer inner demons, and learn to open her heart to reclaim her home of Neiwan.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Choices’ By Kathleen, , Went that moment in ur life u hear a voice in the distance to choose. What direction will ur end comeJuly 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Remember your Aztec Heritage ‘ By rwspisak, , What starts out as an "Indiana Jones" style adventure with two Mexican brothers, one an archaeologist and one a psychiatrist one lost in the jungle, the other desperate to rescue his lost brother, turns into a murderous double love triangle and wanders into a chaotic trip through ancient occult Aztec ceremonial rites.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘The hope of the wounded’ By Diego Valles, , This is a story based on the Crimean War, set in 1850's England. The story is about a journalist whose girlfriend, who is a nurse, goes to the war. We see how this journalist wants to do the right thing, but how sometimes it is very tiring to be a true hero, especially seeing the suffering of the soldiers who survived a war. We don't see a hero, we see a person who does what he thinks is right.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Poetry Collection’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , Three poems: Scenes from the Apocalypse; My First Hat in Spicy Hot Pink; Thoughts on PausingJuly 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Of Homophones And Light Bulbs’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , Nita is being being trained as a stenographer, learning all about taking notes. In fact, she was specifically born to do this task. During recess, she sits under a tree and wonders what her life would be like if she were allowed to leave the stenographers school, or at least what it would be like to say hello to the other children being trained at the engineering school beyond the fence, as none of the trainees are allowed to leave their schools until they graduate and are sent out into the wider world to fulfil their purpose.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Gina’s Eyes’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , It's Friday night, and instead of going out, Rick has to stay and help at his family's optometry store. But then, his crush, Gina, walks in, saying she needs help with her glasses. Rick starts to work, trying very hard (and failing) to be smooth, only for Gina to confide in him about her reservations about the newest glasses for blind people such as herself, as she doesn't want to hide her eyes just to look normal. Rick replies by fixing her glasses and telling Gina that her eyes are beautiful.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘The Modder’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , An detective goes undercover into a drug king's operation, but on his side is his partner, a modder, or shapeshifter, who, when they are paired together, allows the detective to see and hear with greater intensity. Things start to go well, until the modder informs her partner that the drug king has a modder on his side as well. And now the two undercover operatives need to escape from the gang's headquarters before they are captured.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘Ooey, Gooey, Oh So Chewy’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , A teacher gets her revenge on two misbehaving students who insist on chewing gum during class, which involves emergency dental surgery.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Class Picture’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , A Military Police lieutenant suddenly starts to see a picture on the wall of a past group of MPs come alive, depicting each person's death. Afraid to tell anyone, for fear of discharge, the lieutenant keeps silent, until he meets a strange Military Police captain who might know about the picture as well.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Thump in the Night’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , It is the annual summer training, known as Beast Barracks, at West Point. A Squad Leader calls her New Cadets together to inform them of tomorrow's activities, only for the New Cadets to ask her about Survival Week, which involves killing and skinning a rabbit. The Squad Leader then tells a story about why rabbit killing is no longer part of Survival Week, due in part to a skinned rabbit running away and the local wild rabbit population seeking revenge upon the New Cadet Training Battalion.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Treehouse Trail’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , Five Girl Scouts decide to sneak onto Treehouse Trail at Camp Chowenwa, Florida. Treehouse Trail is closed off because of damage to a hurricane several years past, or so the adults say. But as they go down the trail, the Scouts discover the reason is because of several strange creatures, causing them to run for their lives.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-horror short-story
‘Queen of Destruction’ By Jogger Pen, , In revenge for the loss of her eggs, a mother Dragon gathers her relatives and launches an attack against the men who wronged her.July 9, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘I’m a Ghostwriter’ By John Mann, , A tale of three poltergeists. Ben, the author, died by accidental electrocution, Vicki, died by the guillotine in the French Revolution and L C Brown, survived of a gang war, only to be murdered in the hospital.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Dale Mabry Hwy.’ By Dave Gofton, , A man inherits 1/2 a million dollars, marries, arrested, ends up on the streets homeless but, struggles back to civilationJuly 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘“THE SKELETON KEY HANDBOOK”’ By BOBERG, , Ladies, gentlemen, and seekers of the truth, I'd like to welcome you on an illuminating journey right now. Let's explore the tremendous wisdom that lies inside these words as a group. They hold the secrets to understanding cosmic laws and everlasting truths that are intimately woven into the very fabric of who we are. They act as a beacon of hope and a road map for navigating life's maze-like intricacies and bringing out the limitless potential that lives within each and every one of us. Let's put aside the idea that we are only bystanders watching life's spectacle right now. Let's embrace the notion that we are active participants and co-creators of our own reality instead. We may mold our destinies and weave the tapestry of our lives with intention and purpose only if we actively engage with these universal principles.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Blue Hands’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , Set during the Battle of Chancellorsville of the American Civil War, a Union platoon leader and his men find themselves lost in a dense area of forest known as The Wilderness. They are separated from the rest of their company and find themselves in a small meadow. One of the soldiers finds a strange stone, and inadvertently awakens malevolent spirits, who threaten the survival of the platoon.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘My Dad, The Schoolteacher with a Gun, and Orkin Pest Control’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , A true story based on a story told by the writer's father. Dave, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, becomes an apprentice door-to-door salesman for Orkin Pest Control. On his very first day, Dave knocks on the door of a retired schoolteacher who answers the door with a gun, leading to the strangest experience of his life and also the biggest sale of his life.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A Duet of Snow and Fire’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , On the planet of Haumea is a particular order of priests and nuns, the Solluna Order. Sister Aria and Brother Harmony are two Novices within the order and they have been selected for a rarely performed rite: The Duet of the Snow-Daughter and Fire-Son. Sister Aria is excited, as she wishes to be bonded to Brother Harmony, but when the rite begins, she realizes that more is expected of her and Brother Harmony than the Abbess and Abbot let on.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A Duet of Snow and Fire’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , Haumea is a particular order of priests and nuns, the Solluna Order. Sister Aria and Brother Harmony are two Novices within the order and they have been selected for a rarely performed rite: The Duet of the Snow-Daughter and Fire-Son. Sister Aria is excited, as she wishes to be bonded to Brother Harmony, but when the rite begins, she realizes that more is expected of her and Brother Harmony than the Abbess aJuly 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Just Desserts’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , A Floridian is sent to visit with her cousins in Michigan, where she taken on the annual Smores Hunt, where the locals hunt for the delicious dessert, smorus delicius. The Floridian partakes in the hunt and discovers that she enjoys hunting for her dessert, unlike in her homestate, where desserts are easily handpicked.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Just Desserts’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , ent to visit with her cousins in Michigan, where she taken on the annual Smores Hunt, where the locals hunt for the delicious dessert, smorus delicius. The Floridian partakes in the hunt and discovers that she enjoys hunting for her dessert, unlike in her homestate, where desserts are eaJuly 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A Circle of Roses’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , The story of nine children born under mysterious circumstances to a village's miller. The eight girls and one boy are capable of finding their way no matter how dark or how unfamiliar the landscape. One day, all the girls suddenly stand in a circle and walk away, following eight different directions. The boy remains in the village, raising a family and growing old, but before his death, presents his fellow villagers with an invention: a compass rose.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘A Letter to the Editor’ By S.J. Pendergraft, , An Author writes a letter to her Editor apologizing for how she wasted a day instead of working on her numerous writing projects, describing the whacky, bizarre, and odd subjects of various writing formats. A humorous take on writers and the so-called writing life.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-humor-entertainment short-story
‘The Gospel of Jesus’ By Daniel Paul, , Researched and written based on one sentence. "Jesus was a child." It follows a child as he grows into adulthood and learns to control the powers that no other person possesses. From birth to after death.July 8, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Eating certain foods that may cause bad events to happen’ By Keith Burkholder, , In this story, eating foods causes bad events to happen.July 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Favor to a Stranger ‘ By Castle, , This is a new fairytale about two middle aged brothers who get sucked into the kingdom of sea fairies while trying to rescue their kids.July 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Poems’ By Kris Martin, , These are two poems I've written. They're short and simple.July 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘With All My Mind’ By Lynda Keyes, , Living out the Christian life is not always easy. Couple that with managing a mental illness and Cancer, some would think they would see a train wreck of a life. It is said, and it is true, that God takes our mess and turns it into a message. Walk with me, will you? “Come taste and see the Lord is good.” Learn how to see the Mighty presence of God in your life as I have. You will be refreshed and encouraged in the Lord our God.July 7, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Funni Business’ By Toni Jaguar, , Toni have loved Ari for as long as she can remember, but Toni and her secret life has finally hit the fan. Making it known that she is not only a madame but one that partake of those she manage. Ari is not certain where life is going to take her, but she knows that life isn’t life without her Toni.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘Tech: less is more’ By Jeremy Freeman, , Losing ourselves in technology has given many an opportunity to capitalize in attention grabbing pieces. Also, major layoffs yet little to no loss in market capital shows just how hands free our technology has become.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program cultural-journalism short-story
‘Courage’ By Sheri Gheen-Conway, , It’s about a little boy and his dog and how they find courage.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘Night of Terror’ By nancy kackley, , Its Halloween night and a couple is heading home. The vehicle breaks down in the dark of night and they have to walk. As they walk they experience many scary moment down the road.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘My Broken Heart’ By Patricia Mistretta, , During a typical day's errands, finding herself rendered temporarily incapacitated, fear is not the emotion that is immediately felt. Humbled feelings of love drastically turn around sparked by bedside comments.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘The Fall’ By Amber Schnoor, , Peace and harmony was all they had ever know until satan disguised himself as a snake and convinced them to eat from the tree of knowledge. Flooded with all the tree bore Adam quickly realizes he can hear eve’s though. Terrified she could do the same he tricks her and convinces her that nothing happened from eating the apple. He trains her mind to be still so he can always be on watch soon they have children some are born fluid and the others still untill the still are slaves to the fluid. It’s gods command that the fluid will free the still from there mental shackles and they will all be forgiven for eating from the tree of knowledgeJuly 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘The Fall’ By Amber Schnoor, , Peace and harmony were all Adam and Eve had ever know until satan disguised himself as a snake and convinced them to eat from the tree of knowledge. Flooded with all that the tree bore Adam quickly realizes he can hear eve’s thoughts. Terrified she could do the same to him, he tricks her and convinces her that nothing happened from eating the apple. He trains her mind to be still so he can always be on watch. soon they have children some are born fluid and the others born still minded until the eventual enslavement of the still. It’s gods command that the fluid will free the still one day and they will all be forgiven for eating from the tree of knowledge.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘The Fall’ By Amber Schnoor, , Peace and harmony was all they had ever know until satan disguised himself as a snake and convinced them to eat from the tree of knowledge. Flooded with all the tree bore Adam quickly realizes he can hear eve’s though. Terrified she could do the same he tricks her and convinces her that nothing happened from eating the apple. He trains her mind to be still so he can always be on watch soon they have children some are born fluid and the others still untill the still are slaves to the fluid. It’s gods command that the fluid will free the still from there mental shackles and they will all be forgiven for eating from the tree of knowledgeJuly 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-religion-spirituality short-story
‘Past the Dead End Sign’ By Michael Shanks, , This is the true story I'd a trip I took hitch hiking across the country. Kicked out of the Navy before bootcamp, fresh out of 6 months in county jail, I bought a bus ticket from St Louis to Salt Lake City to find a new perspective on life. With only a small backpack, a few jars of peanut butter, a kids tent that was so small that I had to put my head and feet in the corners to fit, and a red fleece sleeping bag, I headed out in hopes to find the answers to life's mysteries. My curiosity led me through Native territory and I got to meet some very different people. I barely made it out of the Grand canyon alive after squatting in my hidden camps. Dodging possible skin walkers and hunkering down to keep from being blown away by hurricane force winds while trying to avoid being being found camping made it all the more harrowing. I didn't find any answers but came home with a thirst to keep looking.July 6, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-travel short-story
‘From broken to a Warrior’ By Nikki Lozen, , Overcoming everything that could have and should have destroyed me, but having the story of how to survive for the next person who feels hopeless.July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-motivational-inspirational short-story
‘Horror’s of War’ By Jeanne, , When we sent our servicemen and women into battle! This is during the Vietnam era, the things that they had to go through were awful to say the least! Between loosing friends that were made while over there, but the horrible experience they went through! Having to shoot children because they had been taught to kill our soldiers! The military personnel that were tortured while there! And the many who lost there lives for this country, to come back to their country and be treated like dirt, especially since it was never considered a war but a police action! We owe all services the respect for what they have done past, present and future!July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-history short-story
‘The Lucky Day’ By Michael Geary, , During a lull in a very real life 1962 storm a constable on an island off the New England coast must solve a mystery of a shipwrecked fishing boat and it's sole occupant. In trying to do so he is faced with his captive's odd request and his own ethical limitations.July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘I am really sorry, Nelly’ By Maria Gilyova, , A true sad story inspired by my father. A story for a crippled man, crippled in his body and crippled in mind, because he always wanted to be pitied and to be a victim, to be pampered like a little child while he never took interest in his children's lifes and never really was present for them. He died alone in the hospital 6 moths ago, probably feeling sorry more for himself than for my mother who dedicated her life looking after him. This is a tribute to her by him finally asking forgiveness in his last words in the story.July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘Hangman’s Noose’ By Kris Martin, , An innocent man is about to be hanged for a crime he didn't commit.....July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Hangman’s Noose’ By Kris Martin, , An innocent man is about to be hanged for a crime he didn't commit.....July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘Mistaken Identity’ By Kris Martin, , The jewelry store owner thought he'd captured the thief.....or did he?July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘Mistaken Identity’ By Kris Martin, , The jewelry store owner thought he'd captured the thief.....or did he?July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-detective-mystery short-story
‘A Miraculous Recovery’ By Kris Martin, , Things are not always what they seem....July 5, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Close Competition ‘ By Tamara Page, , Two best friends, Roxy and Diamond, are closer than the fastest racehorse reaching the finishline, face-off for the chance to be named "girlfriend" of a hot guy named Kingston who's visiting their church. Although, he's only visiting for the Summer, he can't help but to feel the tension rising between the girls. They both want to date him but he doesn't know which one of them to choose. Who will Kingston pick to be his summer fling?July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘EASY LOVING’ By Willie Atkinson, , This is a story about how a young man who meets a older lady { cougar} when he was 18 years old and a Vegin, She taught him all about sex and how to please a woman. He went on to have lots of partners in life until he found real love,July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘7 words’ By Donald Falconer, , Peter falls in love with Anne on his first day at work, may strange and mysterious things happen to him and race around his mind, especially 7 little words that he wont even admit to himself but will he pluck up the courage to tell her.July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-romance short-story
‘What Has Been Done’ By Calandra Flanigan, , Continuation from my first short story… “When It’s All Said and Done”. Essie Mae Jenkins has grown from being a teenager to young adulthood! Did her dreams of becoming an actor, model and a veterinarian come true? Did she grow from her life’s experiences. This next short story will take even further into Essie’s journey with her star!July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-young-adult short-story
‘Crisper-ation’ By P.H. Williams, , Steve joined the military to save lives, but finds himself racing to find the serum that would help transform the men assigned to him without killing them, only to find out that the past and the errors of his father and his family are now a part of his curse or the cure to his serum situation.July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘A New Beginning’ By Keith Burkholder, , Michael is sent to Mars to start a new life there.July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-science-fiction short-story
‘The Flag’ By J. Latham Johnson, , Walk in the footsteps of a mother as she lays her son to rest.July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-historical-fiction short-story
‘My Mother’s Fur’ By Debra Hoffmann, , 'My Mother's Fur' is the story of a kitten born to a feral colony and his adventures with his family in the backyard of Cat Enthusiast and Rescuer Deb Hoffmann Knowles and her husband. Though fiction it's based on real cats who have been TNR'd and some who have turned in their feral card to come and be housecats. It's a good story for children to learn about feral cats and Trap, Neuter, and Return. It is told from a kitten's point of view. Thank you so much,July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-childrens-fiction short-story
‘SOMEBODY MYSELF’ By Amaru, , It is about someone with PTSD. Who is a survivor of locked closets and Russian roulette. It is about scars that don't disappear with the passage of time. It redefines family on every level. It is most of all authentic in its truth A life deferred. A soul promised. A valley that is silenced by the wind.July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-memoir-autobiography short-story
‘Cruiscin Lan’ By NONE, , A young boy's grandfather has died. The boy describes his adventures with his grandfather and reminises about the fun they shared.July 4, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-adventure short-story
‘Boogie Woogie Baby’ By MARION TAVERNARIS, , That beautiful little boy three years old and all wrapped up; Autism,Asperger's? He didn't talk....only his mother could touch him, doctor's didn't seem to know all that much-1965. I saw a lot of Jack, from when I met him, when I was ten and he was three.........but dance the night away with him when I was twenty-seven??? How did we get from there to.......!July 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-fantasy short-story
‘Trick or Treat’ By Abel Nobel, , This is a screenplay. It is a thriller/Horror with strong graphic detail and might be disturbing content for some.July 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-thriller short-story
‘FULL MOON RISING’ By Isles of Wild, , Things continue breaking rough. The signs of my presence are acting up. I'm a survivor, in a hardly balanced world. Where's all my rhythm , Where's all my flow! I'm losing circular motion , for I never know, What damn direction I'll wind up facing next. To many sinuation's, unreliable coordination, Better grab hold before it gets me next. Confusion, with its system's , delusions - its right hand man. Somehow, I get the feeling --I've been hexed. L.LynchJuly 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-lgbtq short-story
‘Gone Too Soon’ By Paris Clark, , Dontae was a young black man who became a product of his environment at a very young age. He grew up in some rough housing projects in the city of San Francisco, California. Being able to live and see another day was his only goal in life. His mother and father was present in his life but he was still raised by the streets. He dropped out of school at the age of 13 and spent a lot of his teenage years locked up in juvenile detention. He cared nothing about laws or regulations and had a real dislike for any law enforcement. He only lived by two rules and that was; kill or be killed and don't ever snitch because you'll end up in a ditch. He never had a job and only supported himself by selling drugs. Living the life of a street thug is all he knew and he had no intentions of becoming anything other than that. In the early afternoon of October 14, 2005, Dontae was driving around with his 2 year old son in the backseat when a car pulled up next to his and started firing shots into the vehicle. Dontae was killed instantly and so was his two year old son.July 3, 2023Voteanthology-program contest-category-true-crime short-story

 

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