Vonnie Winslow Crist

  There's nothing like a good story on a rainy day, or better yet, a dark night filled with the sounds of a crackling fire, a howling wind, and the tap-tap-tap of a tree branch on the window pane. 

  And thank you for everyone who voted me one of the Top Ten Authors in the 2011 & 2010 Preditors & Editors Reader's Poll.

   I've included a couple of writing prompts that you might enjoy trying (bottom right hand column). Plus, I've added information about some of the publications where you can read my stories.

 Buy Anthologies with Vonnie's Stories:

  "The Burryman" - "With only a blanket between him and the horse's backbone, Fen knew there was no comfortable way to ride the mare through town. Still, it must be done. The local Fishermen's Guild had chosen him to raise the herring. But it wasn't just the honor of being Burryman that kept him seated on Sallie's back, the reward for participating in this ceremonial parade would bring his great uncle and him enough wealth to last a lifetime. And it'd been more than ten lifetimes since the ocean had demanded a Burryman..." - Ocean Stories Anthology from Elektrik Milk Bath Press. Available soon.

 "Pacific" - "What do you need, Will?"/ "Suntan lotion."/ "I've got it," Hiromi said and picked up a plastic bottle that was leaning against her beach chair. She feinted a toss, paused, tossed the lotion to his ready hands./ "Thanks." Will unscrewed the lid, dumped a creamy glob onto his palm and slathered his shoulders and arms with the liquid./ Hiromi scanned the surf. Their children were diving under the incoming waves. She saw their white teeth and heard their laughter over the swish of surf. Perhaps the blood was thin enough that they didn't feel the tug of the Ningyo..." - Shelter of Daylight 2011 from Sam's Dot Publishing, www.samsdotpublishing.com

 "Henkie's Fiddle" - "Stirred by a bone-chilling wind, the lone tree in the unsanctified section of the cemetery rattled its bare branches. Duffy had the eerie feeling that Witchman's Oak sensed what was to happen today. He chewed on the hard skin left by a burst blister on his right thumb and studied the tree./ By order of the Edgewater town council and with the mayor's approval, Duffy was to remove Witchman's Oak before Christmas despite local lore proclaiming the tree haunted. Personally, he thought it was a terrible mistake..." -  Potter's Field 4 from Sam's Dot Publishing. Available from: http://astore.amazon.com/vonnwinscris-20

"Gifts in the Dark" - "It was almost time to walk to the graves. The sun had vanished behind the Nodin Sea, the streetlamps were being lit throughout the city of Halona, and the pair of owls that haunted Old Kurak's Medicines & Cure-Alls were calling for the dead..." - Dia de los Muertos - A Day of the Dead Anthology from Elektrik Milk Bath Press. Available from: http://astore.amazon.com/vonnwinscris-20

 "Blood of the Swan" - "There was blood on the snow. And not far away, an arrow and feathers. But Jorund knew it was not the blood of a human, for it was from his bow that the arrow had soared. It was his arrow, carefully whittled from a tree branch and feathered with gull's plumes that had pierced the flesh of the swan. And now, Jorund trudged through the winter forest in search of the wounded bird..." - While the Morning Stars Sing from ResAliens Press. Available from http://astore.amazon.com/vonnwinscris-20

 "Weathermaker"* - "May glanced over her 
 shoulder at the closed door. She tipped her head in the direction of the heat vent and listened for the muffled sound of her parents' voices. She smiled. They were still downstairs in the kitchen. Confident that she wouldn't be bothered, May stretched out on her stomach and squirmed under Papa Chang's bed..." - Dragon's Lure from Dark Quest Books, http://www.tinyurl.com/vonnie-dragonlure *"Weathermaker was voted one of the top 10 science fiction/fantasy stories of 2010 in the Preditors & Editors Reader's Poll.

"Tootsie's Grass River Tours & Amusement Park" - "You're up early," observed Dane./  The bed sheet had slid down to his waist and he was leaning on one elbow with morning sunshine streaming in the window behind him. Thousands of dust motes danced in the light-drenched air, and for a moment, Jessica imagined the dust to be tiny bits of dreams./  She shook her head, refocused on sun, husband, and the everyday world. "Yeah, thought I'd fix breakfast then pack us a lunch to take to the Everglades..." -  Sideshow2 from Sam's Dot Publishing, www.samsdotpublishing.com

Vonnie's eShorts originally published by Echelon:

Comment posted by Retired Teacher Karol Kidd: "Teachers of Teens Take Note: The author, Vonnie Winslow Crist, is writing fun works that are beyond the usual classroom basal fare. Required literature and language topics of instruction could easily be based on Ms. Winslow-Crist's delightful stories. Plus, reading them as ebooks would kick up the level of enthusiasm for many students who ar not especially avid readers, but will tackle anything on the computer."

 ** "Bells" ** was available as an Echelon Press eShort. (Soon to be available again in a new book by Vonnie). This ghostly Christmas story is set in a small town at a family gathering. The 17 year-old main character, Melinda, finds her holiday filled with family, food, evergreens, snow, bells, and ghosts. This story includes some of my family's holiday traditions. What are some of your family's traditions? Perhaps they, too, would make a good story (with or without ghosts).

Retired Florida teacher, Karol Kidd reviewed "Bells": "Bells" brought a tear to my eye as it was such a touching tale of love and endearment."

** "Assassins"** was available as an Echelon Press eShort. This adventure tale is set on another world. It has a reluctant hero, genetic experiment gone wrong, chase scene, assassination attempts, and gunfight in addition to a singing opposum! "Assassins" also has a love story at its center. The genesis for the tale was an article I read about using genetic material from jellyfish and inserting it into aquarium fish to make them shine in the dark. I thought: What other uses would glow-in-the-dark creatures have? How about people? How about people who could also see in the dark? And what if that experiment (supported by government funds) went wrong? As far as why I chose an opposum for the pet of the main female character - I find them charming in a strange, toothy way. Would you have chosen a different animal? Let me know on my blog: www.vonniewinslowcrist.wordpress.com

Dan Cuddy, Author & Editor reviewed "Assassins":  "Vonnie Crist’s story Assassins is a tight-plotted story that blends science fiction and psychological realism. The characters, though of a different world, are no different emotionally than people on 21^st century earth. The science fiction elements aren’t preposterous fantasizing but possibilities for the future. The story moves the reader quickly through its introduction of characters and of the strange world they inhabit to the tension of conflict. I can see this tale being adapted to an episode of a future science fiction TV show. In fact the intelligence of Ms Crist’s story is superior to most TV shows."

Patti Kinlock, Editor, Lite Circle Books reviewed "Assassins": "Assassins is a fast-paced tale of love, intrigue, loyalty and betrayal set on another world that seems not too different from our own. Flynn is a Traveler eking out a living giving tours of natural wonders on Konur Prime that many of his clients don't seem all that interested in when he meets the genetically-engineered Natsu and her singing opossum Hoshi. Attracted to Natsu, Flynn invites her (and her pet) to dinner, but their meal is interrupted when he foils an assassination attempt. Now they are all fugitives, and Flynn learns that Natsu and Hoshi are runaways from a science experiment gone horribly wrong, looking for a better existence. Genetically bred to conduct complex scientific research in low-light conditions, Natsu and some other "experiments" in her group didn't turn out as expected. When Hoshi, a genetically-bred opossum in the same research facility was "rejected" and left to die, Natsu "rescued" him. Unfortunately for Natsu and Hoshi, there are those who wish to eliminate any traces of failure, and now they are the only two "rejects" who haven't suffered a mysterious illness or accident ending in death. Flynn looks to a trusted cousin for aid in helping the trio escape to the safety of Momma Tereza and The Third Eye in The Canyons. But, just one step ahead of the assassins, Flynn is in love and in over his head. Assassins is a fun read that twists and turns with adventure and a host of colorful characters, where science fiction meets the best and worst of humanity."

Karol Kidd, a retired teacher from Fort Meyers, FL reviewed "Assassins":"The sci-fi elements of "Assassins" will keep the reader engrossed as well as challenged. It's an excellent quick read."

 ** "Sideshow by the Sea" ** was available as an Echelon Press eShort. (Soon to be available again in a new book by Vonnie). When I sat down to write this tale (pun intended), I tried to answer some basic questions: What if a mermaid baby were abandoned in a sideshow tent? Would her life ever be normal? Would she ever belong? For the answers, you'll have to read the the story. And I'd love to hear what you thought of my plot choices. Would you have preferred a different ending? Let me know on my blog: www.vonniewinslowcrist.wordpress.com

Author Robin Bayne reviewed "Sideshow": "I really enjoyed this lovely tale. The story was short but conveyed an interesting world and characters you could care about."

Author & Editor W.H. Stevens reviewed "Sideshow": "Ms. Crist's first short story will take you to a land of seaside delights and carnival excitement. Bordering on a dreamy current of fantasy and reality, the story of Dusana, the 17 year old sideshow mermaid will keep your attention for a fast, easy read. The characters, so real you can see them, the sights of the neon lights and the sound of the calliope will transport you to Dusana's world where she dreams of being a normal person. And the poetic, smooth language will engage you and seep into you like the ocean itself. The charm of the merfolk, candied apples and shideshow barkers will draw you to a touching and unexpected conclusion. Welcome to the fantasy world of Vonnie Winslow Crist. This is her moment and it is a fine one, indeed."

Retired Teacher Karol Kidd reviewed "Sideshow": "The fantasy elements of "Sideshow by the Sea" will keep the reader engrossed as well as challenged. The cover illustration truly enhances the appeal of this title."

Read some of Vonnie's stories online:

 "For the Good of the Settlement" - "The mirror cracked in 4212. Rose figured Granny's death and the Darwin Settlement Wars could be blamed on that crack. She’d never replaced the glass. She wanted to remember the power of things -- things like mirrors and crows and bitternut trees deserved respect..."  http://www.tinyurl.com/vonnie-settlement

 "Angels" - "The beekeeper stood in the woods, watched the maple boughs sway and listened to the angels singing in the trees. Though he hadn’t known who was doing the singing as a child, Porter had always heard angels..."* Ensorcelled Magazine at http://www.tinyurl.com/vonnie-angels

 *"Angels" was voted one of the top 10 science-fiction/ fantasy stories of 2009 in the Preditors & Editors Poll.

PODCASTS

Excerpt of "Birdling" -

http://broadpod.posterous.com/may-2011-celebrating-motherhood

(Vonnie starts reading 1 minute and 51 seconds into the podcast).

Excerpt of "Blood of the Swan"

http://broadpod.posterous.com/september-2011-fairy-tales-for-grown-ups

(Vonnie starts reading 19 minutes and 47 seconds into the podcast). 

Buy magazines & books with Vonnie's stories:

"On a Midwinter's Eve" - "Beneath the scant shelter of a spruce, Brock paused and wiped snow from his eyes, cheeks, nose, and mouth. The weather had taken a dangerous turn not long after he'd departed the cabin, and he now found himself calf-deep in drifts with no dinner bagged. Bagged? He snorted out a cloud of warm breath as he resumed his search for a deer. He'd brought no bag. Anything he managed to shoot would have to be carried on his broad back or flung on a pine bough and dragged home..." Tales of the Talisman, http://talesofthetalisman.com/ Available soon.

 "Birdling" - "Before going outside to pick up the branches that had snapped off her apple tree, Cora checked the weath report to confirm there were no more thunderstorms heading her way. Thankfully, the radar was clear. So she slipped on a pair of old sandals, slogged across the lawn, and bent down to gather some of the storm debris. It was then she spotted the bird's nest..." Faerie Magazine #22, p 86-87, http://faeriemagazine.com

 **"The Return of Gunnar Kettilson" - " Celia sat straight-backed on an oak bench in her moonlit kitchen with the long-handled ax stretched across her lap. She listened for the shambling footsteps of her husband, Gunnar Kettilson, comforted in small measure by the presence of her great aunt beside her on the bench.

'Do you think he will come?' Celia whispered as she rubbed the wooden ax handle with her thumb and wondered if there'd be maggots..." - Cemetery Moon #6, http://www.fortresspublishinginc.com/index.htm  **Scheduled for reprint in an upcoming Zombie Antho.  

 "The Garden Shop" - "Katy sang ballads to her children as she watered and groomed their small, green bodies. Her strong hands scooped up Snakeplant, and rocked the sansaveria while she crooned an alto rendition of Barb'ra Allen..." - Ethereal Tales #7, www.etherealtales.co.uk  

 "Assassins" - "Flynn punched in the speaker code. “If you look out the left side of the bus, you’ll see the second tallest peak on Konur Prime. The explorer, Takoda Wilchester, mapped this area in the second century after the great Walloong Moon Quakes..." - Tales of the Talisman, www.talesofthetalisman.com

 "Sideshow by the Sea" - "They came from the floodtide – heaving their muscled bodies out of the waves, lifting their whiskered heads above the backwash like the first amphibians. But they were not amphibians. They were merfolk who’d traded their melodic voices for legs..." - (Early version) Tales of the Talisman, http://astore.amazon.com/vonnwinscris-20

 "A Toad in the Garden" - Great Writers, Great Stories available from: http://astore.amazon.com/vonnwinscris-20

 Fun Writing Prompts:

  These prompts should help writers take what they know and stretch it. Speculative writing asks, "What if?"

   But speculative writing doesn't stop there -- it then asks: What next? And after that? And after that?

   I challenge writers to try their hand at a fantasy, dark fantasy (yes, that's one nice way to say "horror"), or science fiction story.

   Here are a few ideas to help you start:

1- Pick a mythical creature like a selkie (seal person), centaur, harpie, swan maiden, troll, goblin, or a creature even more obscure -- and put them in today's world. Could they fit in? How would they fit in? Now write a story about that character. (This is the beginning place for "Sideshow by the Sea," "Appleheads," "The Garden Shop," and several other stories I've written).

2- Pick a "normal" job like a bank teller, teacher, waitress, garbage collector, secretary, bus driver, or other job of your choosing. Now, place your main character in that job in a strange environment -- like on another planet. (This is the beginning place for my story, "Assassins"). Or leave them in a normal place and have something extraordinary happen to them. (This is the idea I started with for "Bad Moon Rising").

3- Pick a holiday tradition (or traditions) and imagine how those traditions might be honored 1,000 years from now. Or how people would interpret those traditions if they rediscovered them in 5,000 years. (I used the Day of the Dead celebration and re-interpreted it in the far future in my story, "Gifts in the Dark," scheduled to appear in the anthology: Dia de los Muertos).