As a writer, developing and honing my craft, I focused on short stories and word counts first starting out. Word counts give one a limit in telling a story. As a writer, I had to develop a “feel” for using a good economy of words not only to paint a picture and descriptions, but to develop plot and pacing techniques. I’ve been recognized several times by the Writer’s Digest Annual and Popular Fiction writing contests. In fact, my short story, “Spontaneous Decision” won 8th Place in mainstream fiction in the 2008 WD Annual Writing Contest.
When Rebecca Vickory put together Victory Tales Press and invited authors to participate in the anthologies, I jumped at the chance since I love writing story stories.
My story, “Christmas in Bayeux,” appeared in the VTP Stimulating Christmas Anthology last year. The story is an international contemporary romance set in Bayeux, France. Aiden seeks out his childhood friend, Noel, after he learns of the senseless death of his parents. Can Noel help heal Aiden’s wounded heart as they prepare for Christmas?
My next story for Victory Tales Press was in the Spring/Easter Anthology released in March 2011. It’s called “A Polish Heart,” and it’s another international contemporary. The story is sweet with an inspirational/family theme. American architect Darrin Riverton travels to Warsaw, Poland where he falls for his Polish interpreter, Sofia Buraczynski. Can Sofia’s faith give Darrin his heart back?
“Christmas in Bayeux” is also available as 99 cent read on Amazon.
Enjoy this excerpt from “Christmas in Bayeux:”
Her cheeks reddened, but she only gestured toward the hall. “It’s this way.”
They entered the main room and he saw that the tapestry hung on the wall opposite of them. It filled the space entirely. Aiden stood stock-still, admiring its craftsmanship.
“We believe it commemorates the Norman conquest of England in 1066. We all call it a tapestry, but it’s really an embroidery.” She paused, then pointed. “Of course, the hero is William the Conqueror. His forces defeated those led by the English king, Harold Godwinson.”
Aiden walked the length to the tapestry, marveling at the story and how the work had been well preserved for close to 1,000 years.
“Edward the Confessor had no heir so he sent Harold to tell William he would rule England once Edward died. Harold, however, usurped the throne.”
Aiden pointed to a star with a tail. “Is that a star?”
She grinned. “Modern interpretation believes it to be Haley’s comet. It was a bad omen for Harold.”
“What happened next?”
Noel giggled. “William conquered him.”
“Silly me. I should have known that.” He grabbed her waist and pulled her against him. Their eyes locked, hers smoldering with desire. Damn. He wanted to kiss her. Right now. Screw his willpower. Aiden grabbed her hand and led her to the nearest hallway. Empty, thank God.
Check out the Story Teaser on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-muZ0dhOvSE
Amazon: (print) http://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Collection-Anthology-Stimulating/dp/1456304410/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289273692&sr=8-1
Ebook, Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/29148
Create Space, Print book: https://www.createspace.com/3494425
Victory Tales Press: http://victorytalespress.yolasite.com/online-store.php
Spring/Easter Anthology:
STORY TEASER ON YOU TUBE:
Print Book:
Create Space: https://www.createspace.com/3579108
Ebook:
Lulu: (PDF) http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/a-springeaster-collection-sweet/15166166
Smashwords: (multiple formats) http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/48682
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:
http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stephanie-Burkhart-Author/149938795021166
GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
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