I’m having one of those days when I look at all the “bad” shit happening all around me, and I ask, “what’s the point?” That’s not an actual literal translation of what I’m thinking. There’s another word in there that polite company won’t appreciate. It’s a word that make me glad my mother’s not alive […]
Alma’s Grace: A Short Story
What’s scarier than living with ghosts? In a world where ghosts exist, only Ghost Walkers can walk among them unharmed. Prince Indulf called. Alma answered. Is on her way to Court. In his flying carriage. Taking her Ghost Walking abilities with her. But Royal Protocol is a whole other universe. A fantastical tale of castles, […]
Payton’s Run: A Security Directorate Short Story
Failure is not an option. Payton likes her elegant and intimidating tactical uniform. She respects the authority it gives her. And is determined to pass her physical final without damaging it. Her career is on the line. Her life too. Because there are no second chances in the Security Directorate. “Payton’s Run” by Alexandria Blaelock, […]
The Tiny Pretty Things
When you think about it, life is all about the tiny things. The tiny pretty things. Especially when there doesn’t seem to be much that’s positive going, say round about now. It seems everyone has an opinion about how dire the situation is, yet no one’s willing to put forward any suggestions about how to […]
The Guardian’s Vigil: A Short Story
Waiting, always waiting. The headland is cold and windy as Elspeth keeps watch. She chose this dangerous path. There’s no turning back. She’s cold. She’s tired. She’s alone. And the survival of the village is in her hands. “The Guardian’s Vigil” by Alexandria Blaelock, was free on this website for one week only. Also available […]
Fate in Your Hands: A Short Story
Fate leads those who follow In a dilapidated bookshop. In the red desert. 1,000 km from anywhere. Erik meets three mysterious women. Who might just change his life. If he’s willing to pay their price. A mythical tale of fate, fortune, and changing your destiny. “Fate in Your Hands” by Alexandria Blaelock, was free on […]
“My” Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine is out!
Just a quick note to let you know my story is in the September/October Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, available from August 21, 2020. As they describe it: The Perfume of Peaches by Alexandria Blaelock (from the Department of First Stories) will have you drifting into aromatic and flavorful territory. Plus, my guest post The Thin […]
The Life and Death of Carmelita Basingstoke: A Short Story
Find a secret. Let it go. Carmelita Basingstoke lost both her parents. She dealt with the bureaucracy. Now she needs a break. And the best place to get one is the Pioneer cemetery. Lunchtime. Midweek. She just wanted a bit of peace and quiet, but what she got was a mystery “The Life and Death […]
Beauty Excites Emotion
Okay, so we all know that the last few months have been hard, emotionally draining, and not very beautiful. Especially here in Australia, what with it being winter and all. Some days, I look out the window at the cold grey skies, and wonder where all the beauty went. Though beauty is as beauty does. […]
Simone Says Hands in the Air: A Short Story
There’s a killing to be made at the bank. They say you should live each day like your last. Follow your dreams. Take risks. Die empty. All that junk. Charlie’s about to lose everything. His job. The boss he hates. The girl he loves. And his life. But he wouldn’t change a thing. “Simone Says […]
Melody for Marbles
In a recent blog post, Dean Wesley Smith mentioned driving from Lincoln City, Oregon to Las Vegas, Nevada with a car full of marbles. Carefully packed to not “bang together.” I looked it up. It’s a little over 1,000 miles (1,610 km). And according to Google Maps, the quickest drive is 16 hours. Not that […]
Needy Bitch: A Short Story
Better to have loved and lost… Just before dawn, the sun limped through the guest room curtains casting shadows of light across the room. Outside, a chorus of kookaburras and magpies greeted the day. Sam struggles to come to terms with losing her husband. His dog does too. Somehow, they have to find a way […]