Flashes in the Dark Publishes "My Nightmare"

I'm very excited to share that Flashes in the Dark published my flash "My Nightmare" yesterday.

Yep, I'm still away but I hijacked my husband's computer really quick this morning to make sure my story had been published. Then I figured why not share it here. That way I could still publish something while we take this little vacation of ours. (We haven't had much luck finding any Haunt Jaunts I hate to admit or I'd surely be sharing that instead!)

THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THE STORY

"My Nightmare" is the first story I've had accepted for publication in about two years now. I hadn't had much time to write fiction there for a while, or submit, so this is a big deal for me.

It started about two years ago, I was both writing for Families.com and working with an agent to find a publisher for my manuscript, The Ghost of Laurie Floyd. That left me little time for short fiction.

Then, a little over a year ago, my mom got sick and I moved her to live with me so I could care for her in her final days. And then there was my hitchhiker...

Those things not only ate up my time, but they devoured my psychic energy. I just didn't have it in me to sit down and write.

But when I did feel better and had time, this was one of the first stories I banged out.

IRONY OF IT ALL

The ironic thing is, this story is based on a real recurring nightmare I was having about my mom, who died last year on July 3.

The editors didn't know that part. They just randomly selected the publication date.

I haven't had the dream in a while, so I'm hoping that means my mom is now finally resting in peace.

Still thinking of you, Mom.
In Memoriam of Dorothy Mroch October 4, 1931-July 3, 2008