Out of the Darkness Anthology now available, including my original short story

This great collection has dropped this week with some really fantastic stories from from really fantastic authors. It is a collection of pain and perseverance, of people who struggle a little to close to the edge of total despair. Editor Carol Hightshoe did a great job curating this book to show the expanse of darkness in the human spirit, with stories that are solidly possible and others speculative and magical.

My contribution, “Strawberries” is a story I’ve worked on for a long time, and one close to my own darkness. Anyone who’s been in or watched someone they love struggling in an abusive relationship will understand the despair my point of view character, Lucinda Haven, struggles with seeing her beloved daughter fade. But not all of us are powerful hedge witches who have chosen not to practice dark magick.

However, I think we still can relate to Lucinda’s revelation.

Sometimes to get free of the darkness, you must first embrace the darkness.

Out of Darkness is available now on the WolfSinger Publications website and through Amazon.

If you get the chance, please leave a review. Here’s the description.

Mental Health issues have long been stigmatized, with those facing them pushed into the shadows, often unable to deal with the darkness they find themselves trapped in.

In this collection, stories explore many types of darkness – Suicidal Ideation, Death from Suicide, Survivor’s Guilt, PTSD, Chronic Pain, Chronic Illness, Depression, Death of a Loved One, Secrets, Bullying, and other forms of darkness are explored. Some related to mental health issues and some not, but all of them offer very human perspectives. As in real life, some stories have happy endings and sadly others don’t.

We offer these stories of darkness without judgement, but with hope and compassion. Some roads should never have to be traveled – but we understand that for many they are being traveled alone.

Proceeds from sales of Out of the Darkness will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – for more information on AFSP please visit their website at: afsp.org

For those who may be in crisis – PLEASE call or text 988 to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.