Our Song

We have our very own song 

In 2017, I started this blog with a group of fellow authors. We took turns posting about a variety of topics such as hobbies, travel, pets, cooking, reading, and writing. We even had contests and enjoyed ourselves. However, in 2019, the group fell apart, and everyone went their separate ways. I continued to post occasionally on my own, but it wasn't the same without the camaraderie, so I stopped updating the blog in 2022.

Ever since then, I have been writing and have successfully published a few books. About a year ago, I started the What If? Anthology Series with a new group of writers, and we recently released our fourth book.

It then occurred to me that I had forgotten about my blog, but upon checking the STATS after 2 years of inactivity, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it still had a strong following. People continue to visit and read the old posts.

After bringing it up to the anthology writer's group, some of us decided to resume the group project and publish one or two new blog posts every week.

~Erika M Szabo

What If? Anthology Series

Read about the series HERE

​When a collective of talented authors merge their literary skills and unleash their imaginations, a series is born to delight readers who crave thought-provoking stories and aren't afraid to ask the question, "What if?" With each turn of the page, readers are transported to fantastic worlds where anything is possible, and every twist and turn leaves them eagerly anticipating what will happen next. This collaboration of creative minds brings to life a captivating journey for those who dare to question the boundaries of reality and embrace the possibilities of the unknown.

The authors of the Anthology Series

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com 

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative and educational and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.

Lorraine Carey

https://authorlorrainecarey.blogspot.com/

Lorraine Carey is a reading specialist and an Award-Winning Author. She was living in California until fate whisked her off to Grand Cayman. She currently lives in Florida. Her love for paranormal stories began at a young age, and is no stranger to the paranormal, having encountered unexplainable events that are woven into her stories.

David W. Thompson

https://www.david-w-thompson.com

David is a multiple award-winning author, Army veteran, and graduate of UMUC. He’s a multi-genre writer and a member of the Horror Writers’ Association, and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association. When not writing, Dave enjoys family, kayaking, fishing, hiking, hunting, winemaking, and woodcarving.

R. A. “Doc” Correa 

www.goldenboxbooks.com/ra-doc-correa.html 

A retired US Army military master parachutist, retired surgical technologist, and retired computer scientist. He’s an award-winning poet and author. “Doc” has had poems published in multiple books and had stories published in Bookish Magazine and Your Secret Library. His first novel, Rapier, won a Book Excellence award and was given a Reader’s Favorite five-star review.

Martha Perez

https://marthaperez.info/

Martha Perez was born in raised in Los Angeles, CA. She now lives in West Covina, CA, with her husband Sal Andalon and their dogs Toby and Bella. She has a son, a daughter, and two granddaughters. Her hobbies include reading, writing, exercising, and taking long walks.

Shebat Legion

Her work can be found wherever fine books are sold.

Shebat Legion is an award-winning, internationally best-selling, consummate storyteller/producer/publisher whose quirky tales have appeared in numerous anthologies of various genres, and offerings of her work have been archived on the moon via The Lunar Codex associated with NASA.

Robert Allen Lupton

https://robertallenlupton.blogspot.com

Robert Allen Lupton is retired and lives in New Mexico. He has three novels, seven short story collections and three edited anthologies available in print and audio versions. Over 2000 of his Edgar Rice Burroughs themed drabbles and articles are located on erbzine.com

S.S. Bazinet

https://www.ssbazinet.com/

S. S. Bazinet is a multi-genre author who loves penning stories that inspire her readers. When writing, she keeps it real. Her characters often start off in very dicey situations. They make their mistakes, hopefully learn to correct course, and find a way to keep going when all seems lost.

Alan Zacher

https://www.goldenboxbooks.com/alan-zacher.html

I graduated from UCLA, studying Acting and Writing. Fifteen years after graduating from college, I returned to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, and began teaching English and stated writing.

S. M. Revolinski

https://www.goldenboxbooks.com/s-m-revolinski.html

A retired engineer. When not entertaining his grandchildren, he enjoys writing. Most of his stories are science fiction, connections between the supernatural and the real world – what if ‘this’ really happened? Breaking from Sci-Fi, his recent stories have been Westerns. The “Tales From Wyoming” is a collection of interconnected short stories of the Old West.

Toi Thomas

https://linktr.ee/toithomas

A self-proclaimed techie and foodie, Toi Thomas enjoys cooking, animals, geek culture, and collecting vinyl records. She writes clean, adult, multi-genre fiction as well as nonfiction, and picture books. Toi actively creates for and with her fans at The ToiBox of Words blog, her YouTube channel, and on Patreon.

E.V. Emmons

https://eclark46.wixsite.com/-evemmons

E.V. Emmons lives in Ontario. Author of the novels ETERNITY AWAITS, THE SINISTRATI, and the writer’s guide, ‘WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW!’ As a contributor to several anthologies, her work even made it to the Moon with the Lunar Codex Program aboard lander Odysseus in February 2024. Available on Amazon.

Karen Ovér

https://balletsandbogeys.weebly.com/golemwerks.html

Karen Ovér is back in Texas after more than a decade in New York City. Her latest works appear in the anthologies The Book of Carnacki, The Legion Press, Dark Yonder #6, and the forthcoming Arkham Institutions, available late 2024 from Dragon’s Roost Press.

James Harper

His work can be found wherever fine books are sold.

A transplanted native in a city full of them, James Harper is a bestselling horror writer living with his daughter in a suburb just north of Washington DC. His love of music is only rivaled by his passion for film, but both take a backseat when a Phillies game’s on.

Victoria Adams

https://victoriasreadingalcove.com   

Adams lives and works in the resplendent Pacific Northwest. She spends her time with her characters and a feline named Sir Linus. She has published two nonfiction titles and contributed to anthologies of fiction and poetry. Her exploration of the world and ideas, in general, can be found at victoriasreadingalcove.com.

Guest Author Victoria Adams

 The trip that wasn't on my bucket list

A tale of a trip I never knew was on my bucket list, and other unplanned adventures.

As much as I love the ocean, I normally appreciate its wonders from the beach. I have been on boats, mostly lake-sized, and the occasional sailboat in the Gulf. It’s not that I don’t like boats, but the opportunity, funds, and incentive never occurred at the same moment in time. Until a couple of years ago.

I love writing, and I must admit, I love numbers. My day job for a very long time has been taking care of other people’s numbers. A couple years ago, one of my clients was invited to a day trip on a deep-sea fishing charter boat as a reward for a job well done. The invitation was for the staff and each person’s plus one. Any licenses required would be included. (If you know about these things, you know we still paid the tips and brought our own lunches).

For some reason, my client thought I should be a participant, so a day was picked post tax season allowing me to join. Everything was set, right?

Um, not quite. Part of getting ready for such trips includes making sure you have proper attire, cash for tips, and lunch. Oh, and a plan to be on the dock before the crack of dawn. I did make sure I had appropriate gear, but then it appeared that no one had planned the rest of it. Getting a check cashed was easy, and I arranged to stay over in town so I could order and pick up the lunches we would need. I also stocked up on saltines, 7-Up, and apples (good for queasy tummies) and seasick meds. Somehow, I managed to load up, check out, and get to the dock at the appointed time. At which point I pressed other people into moving my treasures to the boat.

This was May and the weather was still on the chilly side with lots of rain and wind. I wasn’t all that sure this was going to be the trip I had signed up for. I can tell you that the owner piloted the boat, and I do believe that our exit from the bay was as smooth as he could make it. Fully committed at this point (you do NOT turn the boat around unless someone is dying) I figured I’d just hang on for dear life and hope for the best.

I was in luck. Once we broke free of the bay, we found a sunny, nearly flat ocean surface. I’m told by those who know that it is rare that the waves are not much higher than you would find on a lake. As long as the boat was moving, I was fine. Anchored, not so much. I did try out the fishing part for a bit, but I had more fun handing out my goodies, making sure everyone got the lunch they wanted, and taking pictures.

Our seagulls are well trained and know to follow the charter boats on their way back to shore because chum is on the menu. By the time we docked, the crew had the fish skinned, cleaned, and sorted into bags.

I probably would not try this adventure again (unless I’m on a really, really big boat), but I’m glad I did decide to go this one time. Our boat maxed out our person limit, so I made it home with 30 pounds of fish which I immediately divvied up among friends while keeping a few pounds for myself.

If you ever visit the Pacific Northwest, you should check out the coastal town of Westport, WA with its active fishing community, awesome restaurants, and local-folk atmosphere. Plus, they have really fund festivals. (check out https://www.westportgrayland-chamber.org/) 

Victoria Adams

https://victoriasreadingalcove.com   

Adams lives and works in the resplendent Pacific Northwest. She spends her time with her characters and a feline named Sir Linus. She has published two nonfiction titles and contributed to anthologies of fiction and poetry. Her exploration of the world and ideas, in general, can be found at victoriasreadingalcove.com.

Brownie, The Clueless Pup

 Brownie the Clueless pup

There are way too many serious stuff is going on right now,

we all need a little break.

I made a fun song in memory of my dog, Brownie. he was clueless, he would trip on his own paws, fall into his water bowl, or spending 15 minutes trying to bring a long stick through the door.

He wasn't the smartest, but he was the sweetest little guy.

Watch the videos to hear the entire song. Enjoy!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Erika M Szabo

www.authorerikamszabo.com

Unexpected Trip

 Was it a dream or did she travel through time?

Pompeii

“Valeria . . . Valeria, can you hear me?” a strange voice echoed as the young woman struggled to open her eyes seeing two tall young girls possibly in their late teens dressed in white togas at her side. “She’s coming to,” said one of the girls.

“Where . . . where am I?”

“You are in the House of the Vestals, my dear. You passed out a short time ago as you were working out in the garden on your jug and hit your head on one of the pedestals. You know you were told to avoid being in the sun too long with your fair skin,” the first girl spoke.

“And who are you?”

Both girls looked at each other quizzically.

“I am Dalanya and this is Catania, your Vestal Sisters.” Dalanya took her hand and helped Valeria to sit up on the cot.

“I don’t remember any of this I tell you, the young woman claimed as she glanced around at her surroundings. Her eyes scanned the area that revealed tall pillars and large marble statues that led out to a massive courtyard with a huge fountain. “This has to be a dream! I mean—”

“Catania has sent for the Medicus. He should be here shortly,” Dalanya said as she laid her hand on the woman’s shoulder. “He’ll know what to do.”

An older man dressed in multicolored robes carrying a large satchel approached from the outside patio entering the small chamber. He had instructed Dalanya and Catania to inform him as to what had occurred.

“I know this young lady. She has simply fainted. I have treated her before for a similar condition. A vial of Posca is all she needs. She gets dehydrated easily. He pulled a small vial from his satchel and instructed her to drink, which she did.

She wiped her lips after chugging down the entire contents of the vial and gave the Medicus a skeptical look. “Exactly what’s in that?” She scrunched up her nose showing her distaste for the drink.

“It’s a mixture of vinegar, water, and herbs,” he said.

“My name is Ramethius, the Medicus and I believe you may also have a slight concussion from hitting your head.”

“Oh,” the woman uttered as he checked her eyes and head using a strange instrument from his bag that managed to clamp open her eyes.

“Her pupils are not dilated but she still may have a slight concussion,” he announced as he turned to the girls. “Best to keep an eye on her the rest of the day. Make sure you don’t let her sleep.”

“Why can’t she remember who she is? Dalanya asked.

“Well, she’s one of the oldest Vestals here, I mean—” Catania added. “Could be her age.”

“It may be a temporary case of amnesia. It should return in time,” Ramethius said as he secured his bag. “Now I must go as I’m needed at the House of Faun.”

Both Dalanya and Catania sat next to Valeria giving her words of comfort but most of all encouraging her to rest.

“Your artwork can wait, Sister,” Dalanya said, taking her hand. “You heard what the Medicus said.

“Rest . . . rest! I can’t rest!” She shot up. “I have to finish my piece for the art show for Aulius Restituto. It will be featured among some of the other fine pieces here in Pompeii then grace the main hall of the house of Vetti.”

The girls both looked at each other astounded. “Well then, I guess her amnesia has instantly returned,” Dalanya said.

“It was probably the mention of artwork that brought her back,” Catania said. “We both know how obsessive she is about that show she keeps talking about.”

Valeria tried to rise from her cot but both girls gently pushed her back to a lying position. “You will rest here for a few hours.”

Valeria reasoned she had to agree to the girls’ wishes but knew once they were out of sight, she’d plan to get back to painting her jug.

She watched the girls walk through the archway that led out to the lush gardens. I can only hope to see my beloved Marcus. I know he will be working in the kitchens today at the Vetti House. I long to feel his strong arms around me again. We’ve managed to keep this secret for some time now. Should we be caught- I’d be banned from the House of Vestals and he being a slave would be sentenced to death!

Valeria felt a slight dizziness sensation overtake her and decided to sit for a while until it had passed. I’ve got to finish that jug. Tomorrow is the show and I’ll crawl if I have to get it over there. She fiddled with her long black braid that hung to one side over her shoulder making sure the gold threads were securely in place that were weaved into the braid. A Vestal always had to look her best whenever she was out in the public eye.

“We both know what she’s up to,” Dalanya said as she and Catania walked through the garden.

“You mean that slave, Marcus that works over at the Vetti House?”

“Yes, Rumor has it she’s been sneaking off to see him.”

“It’s true, and if she’s caught, we both know the consequences both of them will face,” Dalanya said as she bent down to smell the flowery scent of a hearty lilac bush.

“You going to tell on her?” Catania asked.”

“No. I don’t think we need to be known as spies here. Besides she is close to being released from her service very soon. She can be with Marcus all she wants then.”

The ground shook with tremors and some of the larger garden pots had moved.

“Not that again!” Catania shouted. “This is the second time this week it’s happened.”

“Not to worry, it’s very common as you well know, Dalanya said trying to calm her friend.  That volcano has to release the pressure now and then, my friend. Now let’s head over to the Temple of Isis and make sure all is well over there.”

Valeria also felt the tremors as she tried to gain some steadiness to stand. “Great! Just what I need now,” she murmured.

Continue reading the story in the book:

https://books2read.com/u/m27NQd

What if you think the known world isn’t strange enough? Embark on a journey that pushes the boundaries, challenges your perception, and questions reason, logic, and established beliefs.

Book Sunday

 Enjoy today's selection

In online bookstores, readers often discover new books by browsing the bestselling titles in their desired genre. However, popularity does not always equate to quality. Countless hidden gems may not receive as much promotion but offer incredible stories that deserve recognition and readership.

Watch this short video.

Lorraine Carey and Erika M Szabo discuss how readers' preferences have changed since the internet provides a wide variety of entertainment.

About The Seven Cozy Shorts

Cozy bedtime stories for grownups

Erika said, "I categorize these stories as cozy because the reader can finish a story in one sitting, usually, it takes from an hour to an hour and a half to read a story. When you have a family to take care of and a job to get up early, these shorter novellas are perfect to cozy up in bed with and finish a story before falling asleep. The stories are not overwhelmingly long, and the readers are introduced to fewer characters and places than in long novels, so you don’t need to memorize so many names. The scenes and characters are not described in minute details, just enough to create a quick mental picture of the people and place where things happen."

The stories in the book:

Ancient ghost:

Thousands of years ago Tanakhmet cursed Prince Akhmose to never enter the heavenly paradise. But after Layla breaks the curse, does he really want to?

Mysterious omen:

Lauren has everything she’d ever wished for. When her Raven spirit guide warns her of impending danger, she knows her life is in danger. Who wants her dead and why?

Jealous acolyte:

A potion made with haste out of jealousy puts Dorian into a coma. The rare orchid that could save his life is fiercely guarded by werewolves in the forbidden forest. Will they succeed in saving his life?

Christmas magic:

Elana’s life was a revolving door of shattered hopes and disappointments. Until she met Luca. Allowing them only a short time of happiness, cruel fate tore them apart. Will they meet again?

Small town mystery:

The snobbish new owner of the Couture mansion brings a worthless painting into Danielle’s antique shop and the town’s future is threatened by the plans of the ruthless, rich owner. Is the painting truly worth nothing or...

Soulmates across time:

Caleb lost his soulmate, Valerie. Can he find her in a parallel universe? If his father succeeds in opening the portal, will he find the same person or a stranger in the alternate universe?

Love conquers fear:

People are not perfect, and we all come with baggage. They might show a picture-perfect family life but hide the struggles, heartache, compromises, and sacrifices they made to get there.

Lisa

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing short stories!

Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2022

Ancient Ghost is my favorite but they are all great. This is an awesome anthology of adult bedtime stories.

Find the eBook, print, or audiobook in your favorite STORE

SEE the BOOK

SEE the BOOK

SEE the BOOK

The stories are also available separately in eBooks

EBOOK	EBOOK	EBOOK	EBOOK
EBOOK	EBOOK

Audiobook reviews:

5 out of 5 stars

• Cindy J. Smith
• 05-17-21

Beautiful stories perfectly narrated
I enjoyed each of the stories. Erika created believable characters and situations. Pat Mahoney's narration was excellent. I was impressed by his range as he change his voice between characters. His music also enhanced the listening experience without detracting from the stories themselves.
    
5 out of 5 stars

• Chris S
• 08-05-21

Great audiobook!
I enjoyed this audiobook very much. The stories by Erika Szabo were well written and engaging. The narration by Pat Mahoney brought all the characters to life. The music added to the enjoyment of the stories. Highly recommended!
    
5 out of 5 stars

• Blackeagle
• 06-13-21

Intense Cozy Shorts
These cozy mysteries went from absolutely creepy to seriously intense and I loved every moment of it. The stories are well written, entertaining and full of intricate twist that make you want to keep listening. The cozy shorts are different and some are quite unique. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries that range from the paranormal to second chances. This is my honest unbiased review.

5 out of 5 stars

• Daisy
• 06-11-21
• 
  
  Fantastic stories I loved listening to this audiobook. The stories were great and the narrator did a wonderful job. He is very talented and the music and voices he did made this a fantastic listen.

Erika M Szabo

https://authorerikamszabo.com

Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative, and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.

Malevolent Mermaid of the Caribbean

 Santianna will take your soul

The Inspiration:

Many legends come out of the Caribbean, with many that still believe in spirits, evil mermaids, voodoo, and other local tales. Living on the island of Grand Cayman for nine years, I have heard many of these, which sparked my interest, and most of all, listening firsthand about a paranormal experience from a woman who was renting a condo in the same complex my husband and I had rented for a year.

Not many would listen to her accounts of a strange entity taking possession of her body and soul. She found me, and I was one she seemed to trust. I had made recordings of her incidents and many notes, knowing that I would someday write a story that had been based on some of these accounts.

Santianna:

This exotic beauty is a legend among the people of Jamaica and the Caymans, yet some would only get to know her when they were fighting for their lives or happened to be victims of her next feeding.

Having been scorned many years ago by her fiancé, a seaman who jilted her, Santianna threw herself into the sea but was rescued by a family of Mer People who saved her life only to transform her into an evil mermaid who would become immortal by taking the souls of males. Right after Hurricane Ivan hit Grand Cayman in 2004, the waters unearthed her presence, and with her powers intensified, she set her sights on a small resort on the east end of Grand Cayman.

The Rescue of Tessa Malone:

Tessa and her husband had booked a suite at Paradise Palms in Grand Cayman for their honeymoon and were snorkeling out by the reef when Tessa lost sight of her husband and hit her head on the reef. Beginning to drown, she found herself being saved by Santianna—or at least she thought she was.

An Excerpt from Night Mistress of Paradise Palms:

She could see a faint white mist in the distance and feel a slight breeze picking up. Hearing what sounded like someone humming a tune caused her to muster enough energy to raise her head to see if it was a storm. The white mist took on the form of a waterspout and moved at a steady speed toward her. The humming became clearer but was subtle—one that reminded her of a lullaby she remembered hearing when she was a child. As the mist came closer, Tessa could see it emerge into the transparent form of a woman encased in a golden aura. “Don’t fear my lady. I am here to save you.” The apparition seemed to float on the water as she was now about two feet from Tessa.

“Who... who are you?”

“I am Santianna,” answered the apparition. I was in the water when your husband drowned you.” Her body wavered as she spoke, her long dark locks moved like serpentine snakes in the breeze. “I’m so sorry what happened to you.”

“No! He couldn’t! Not my Joe! And why didn’t you try to save me if you were there?”

“I could not. I couldn’t change your destiny, my dear. All I can do is promise to keep your spirit alive until you have found a way to cross over. You have unfinished business here; your life was taken too soon.”

“Are you an angel?” Tessa asked.

“You may have heard of me. I’m more of an enigma. I am a Sea Goddess. I hail from Jamaica. It’s been eons ago that I was murdered in these same waters, by a man, whom I thought loved me too. Now I help souls in need who meet an untimely death. I’m not sure you’ve heard the legends.”

Santianna positioned herself next to Tessa. Her body had now solidified into a full female figure, but one far from normal. Her bluish skin and radiant golden eyes belonged to that of a creature not of this earthly realm. Santianna moved her long slender hands over Tessa’s body while golden sparks shot off from her heavy bronze cuff bracelets on each arm. She hummed that same calming tune Tessa was familiar with. It was haunting, yet comforting. “You should be feeling the vibrations now, my lady. Relax, and let them come. Accept this gift.”

Tessa was too weak yet to comment but closed her eyes and succumbed to Santianna’s commands. What felt like piercing needles under her skin soon turned to a radiant heat that ran from her head down through her toes. Her pale skin began to take on some color. She found herself strong enough to sit up fully, taking in more of her surroundings and trying to comprehend what was happening. She glared at this apparition trying to figure out what kind of spirit she was. “You... you are doing this for me because...”

“Because I have been wronged long ago, just as you have my dear. You will join me in reclaiming justice.”

“But if I’m dead, I want to cross over! When will that be?” Tessa locked eyes with Santianna. Her mind was still a blur over what had happened.

“Once you have captured the souls of seven males. This will be your fuel to enable you to pass on. During that time, you will be bound to this area and will cleanse this place of years of wrongdoings. It’s the only way.”

“But if I’m dead, I want to cross over! When will that be?” Tessa locked eyes with Santianna. Her mind was still a blur over what had happened.

“Once you have captured the souls of seven males. This will be your fuel to enable you to pass on. During that time, you will be bound to this area and will cleanse this place of years of wrongdoings. It’s the only way.”

Tessa gave Santianna an incredulous look. “Just how long will that take?”

“It’s up to you. There are many guests at the Trade Winds. You can steal one each night or take as long as you need.”

“And how do I go about this?”

“It will come naturally. You are now in spirit form and a sexual enchantress. Your victims will view you as a transparent being whom

they will desire to have their bodies ravished. You will find this to be rejuvenating for you. With each soul capture, you will gain more strength which will help you cross over more easily. Your power has been gifted through me.”

“And what about Joe? He needs to suffer. What will happen to him?” Tessa voiced concern.

“That my dear will be taken care of. Justice will come, trust me.”

“So, I’ll remain out here at sea for all this time?”

“Yes, just as foam on the water until darkness falls and you will find your nourishment in the night off a living male. You will come to enjoy it—you will see.”

“And where shall you be? Will I see you again?”

“I will be here, but you will not see me until your journey is done. I’ll be the one who will be escorting you to the other side. Until then, my sister, find solace in the sleep you so need to begin your journey. Praise be the goddess!”

Read this story in its entirety in the Supernatural Thriller Night Mistress of Paradise Palms. Available in eBook and print.

READ NOW

That long-awaited tropical vacation may hold a few extra surprises you never expected!

A page-turner Supernatural Tale that is richly woven with local legends, mysterious happenings, heated love scenes, and non-stop action.

What could be better than a holiday on tropical Grand Cayman Island at a Five-Star resort?

There are beach parties, cocktails, and local food to delight your senses, but you better be on your guard when the sun goes down.

A young bride's ghost is under the spell of a malevolent Sea Enchantress, whose spirit lurks in the waters, demanding the price for crossing over. The locals fear the Night Mistress, but there are always new guests who are unknowingly at risk of becoming her next victim.

There's always a vacancy at Paradise Palms-and for good reason.