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SIDE QUEST: STORIES is the award-winning short story collection by Jalyn Renae Fiske that collects 14 speculative short stories and 1 poem that explore characters who yearn for a different life or a second chance amid magical curses, missing persons, dragon attacks, mad scientists, alien planets, human sacrifices, the undead, and silent gods. Fiske's wide range in writing style and subject matter makes for stories that are captivating and immersive for all types of readers. There's horror, there's adventure, there's whimsy, and there's tragedy. SIDE QUEST: STORIES is for anyone who wishes to step into the fantastical shoes of another and experience different perceptions, struggles, and dreams. Are you ready to begin?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jalyn Renae Fiske is an author, editor, educator, and librarian. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College in 2017. That same year, she began her tenure as Fiction Editor for James Gunn’s Ad Astra magazine and also served as Editor-in-Chief for The Pitkin Review and editor for Clockhouse.
Jalyn writes blends of science fiction, fantasy, and horror that are at times unsettling, strange, or whimsical. She likes to explore themes of identity and transformation, as well as create different social constructs and systems in her worldbuilding that encourages the reader to ask–Why is it that way? Could it be different? Should it be? Jalyn’s short stories, poems, and essays have appeared in The Science Fiction Tarot anthology, Allegory, Wyldblood, Mythaxis, Fabled Planet, and Sword and Sorceries Vol. 7, among others, and her debut short story collection, Side Quest: Stories, was released in November 2024.
Learn more about Jalyn Renae Fiske and her work at: http://www.jrenaewriter.com/ 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Transformation and IdentityCharacters confront change, shed old selves, and explore what it means to evolve—willingly or not.
Blending Genres and ToneA mix of dark fantasy, horror, and sci-fi delivered with emotional range—from eerie to uplifting.
Power, Sacrifice, and Social CommentaryStories that examine who holds power, what it costs, and how we navigate flawed systems.
Crafting Stories and StructureFrom poetic titles to layered suspense, each piece is shaped with intention and creative risk.
Challenging Genre ExpectationsA collection designed to welcome curious readers—not just genre fans—into speculative fiction.
CONNECT WITH AUTHOR JALYN RENAE FISKE:www.jrenaewriter.comFacebook: Jalyn Renae Fiske, author

Three levels below a street in New York City lies the world’s largest securities vault. For 40 years, Andy Russo has been its devoted steward. But after decades of mistreatment, Andy reaches a breaking point. Leading his disgruntled team of employees, he devises an audacious plan to steal $100 million in bearer bonds—an inside job no one ever expected.As the heist unfolds, Hurricane Sandy barrels toward the city, threatening to flood the vault and expose their crime. With security closing in and chaos erupting, Andy must navigate a treacherous web of loyalty and desperation. In a world where white employees work above street level and immigrants and minorities toil below, can they outsmart a system designed to keep them down, or will their dreams drown in rising waters?The Vault is a heart-pounding thriller filled with shocking twists and moral dilemmas that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Andy and his team succeed in their quest for justice, or will their ambition lead to disaster? Join them in this electrifying journey where the stakes are high and nothing is as it seems.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stuart Z. Goldstein is a former high-profile Wall Street PR executive with a decades-long career at institutions like DTCC and American Express. Now an award-winning author, he’s known for his deeply personal memoir Moe Fields and his latest financial thriller The Vault, which blends real-world events with compelling fiction. With a background in public affairs and a passion for storytelling, Stuart brings both authenticity and heart to his work—drawing on his insider knowledge of the financial world to craft stories that are as emotionally resonant as they are suspenseful.
Learn more about Stuart Goldstein and his work at www.stuartzgoldsteinbooks.com 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The inspiration and real-world foundation behind The Vault
The complexity and humanity of the book’s characters
Corporate injustice, systemic bias, and moral ambiguity
Blending fiction with financial industry expertise
The emotional depth and personal investment in the writing process
CONNECT WITH STUART Z. GOLDSTEIN!
Website: www.stuartzgoldsteinbooks.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.Stuart-Z-Goldstein LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-z-goldstein
 

ARCHIPELAGO
Following a tragic event, The Herb Society, along with Lukas and Taylor are unwittingly pulled into Baptiste’s twisted plan to not only find a lost continent but unlock the secrets to a precious material that is only found near an archipelago he believes to be the remainder of this sunken world. Baptiste knows this material is more precious than all the gold in the world and he has big plans for it. When The Herb Society discovers Pierre Baptiste’s nefarious agenda, they unlock a global conspiracy led by the world’s rich and powerful that would completely alter civilization to their advantage for generations to come. Now The Herb Society ladies, Lukas, Taylor, Tory and her boyfriend, Pepe are thrust into the plot and must fight the forces of nature and evil to save mankind from an unimaginable future. But will they be able to stop Pierre and his clever friends from initiating the countdown to an apocalypse?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
E. William Podojil is an author, strategic advisor, and international business executive. He studied screenwriting at UCLA and has published both thrillers and mysteries, including The Tenth Man and The Poseidon Project. Archipelago is the second book in The Herb Society Mysteries. Podojil lives in Northeast Ohio with his husband and three sons.
Website: www.ewpodojil.comInstagram: @ewilliampodojilFacebook: E.W. Podojil Author
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Thematic Depth of Archipelago
The central theme of "beauty concealing darkness" and the exploration of dualities like discovery vs. destruction and good vs. evil.
The broader metaphor of surface vs. substance (both in nature and people).
Character Development and Interpersonal Dynamics
Molly Halloran’s growth and emotional layers, especially her strength and vulnerability.
The evolving relationship between Lucas and Taylor as they face aging, temptation, and life transitions.
Pierre Baptiste as a complex antagonist driven by vanity, aging, and a hunger for power and love.
Real-World Technology and Futuristic Elements
The role of cutting-edge (but real) technology in the story, such as AI, augmented reality, and satellite systems.
The yacht Juventus as both a character and a symbol—luxurious, high-tech, and emotionally isolating.
Philosophical and Generational Reflections
Insights on aging, legacy, and the fleeting nature of time.
Reflections on how different generations handle global anxiety, technological disruption, and personal purpose.
Series Structure and Storytelling Approach
How Archipelago fits within the Herb Society Mysteries series (second book following The Poseidon Project).
Writing process—balancing plotting with character-driven storytelling.
Hints at the third book (Chameleon), and the possible continuation of the series through new perspectives.

MAVERICK AND THE BIG GAME
Maverick has played in many hockey games, but today is different—it’s the championship game! As he laces up his skates, Maverick feels excited, but also a little nervous. What if he misses a shot? What if he lets his team down?
Follow Maverick as he faces one of his biggest challenges yet and learns that being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means playing your best, no matter what!
Will Maverick help his team win the championship?
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gina Usufzy is a passionate storyteller and youth hockey advocate dedicated to inspiring young readers through engaging and meaningful stories. As the creator of The Adventures of Maverick the Hockey Player series, Gina combines her love for hockey with her commitment to fostering resilience, teamwork, and perseverance in children. With years of experience running youth hockey programs, Gina has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of sports in shaping character and life skills. Her books, including Maverick and the Big Game, aim to entertain while imparting valuable lessons about dedication, sportsmanship, and believing in oneself. Gina’s work has resonated with young athletes, parents, and educators alike, making her a strong advocate for literacy and youth development. When she’s not writing, she’s actively involved in the hockey community, helping young players reach their full potential on and off the ice.
Learn more about Gina Usufzy and connect with her at www.maverickshockeyadventures.com. And learn more about the Hockey for Kids Scholarship Program here: www.hockeyforkids.org. 
 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION:
The Real-Life Inspiration Behind MaverickThe book series is based on true stories from the author's son, Maverick, who has played hockey since he was four. His personality, experiences, and challenges form the heart of each story.
Themes of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, and Life LessonsThe books emphasize values like empathy, resilience, and leadership, showing young readers how lessons learned in sports can apply to life beyond the rink.
Hockey as a Lifestyle and Community MissionHockey plays a central role in the family's life. The author also runs a youth hockey foundation that helps kids access the sport, with book proceeds supporting this cause.
Writing for Relatability and Emotional ConnectionThe stories are crafted to be engaging and emotionally resonant, with interactive elements that invite kids to reflect on their own experiences.
Expanding the Maverick BrandThe current series includes picture books and new chapter books for older readers, with future plans for an animated series and more stories—including one inspired by her daughter.
 

ANTUMBRA
Welcome to the ÜberCube! It’s the perfect society where everyone enjoys fun social gatherings every night; where everyone enjoys tasty, expertly balanced nutritious food; where everybody has a job and a home of their own, complete with the latest model EMILY personal helper to manage all those parts of life you don’t need to; where you can buy the latest must-have items and have them delivered immediately to your personal Cube the very second they are announced by the NewsFeeds!Angela had the perfect life in the perfect society where all of her needs were met instantly, and where everyone was perfectly happy. Only Angela wasn’t. Angela felt like a stranger in the ÜberCube where she had lived all her life, she just couldn’t understand why everyone else was so blissfully content while she alone dreaded the mandatory social occasions and the saccharine pleasantries they entailed. That was until her only friend disappeared suspiciously overnight and she was catapulted into a journey of discovery leading her to the inevitable horror of her existence and the ultimate question: can she ever become truly free?
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The Dystopian World – Controlled society in Uber Cubes, AI surveillance (EMILYs), and the illusion of comfort.
Character Arcs – Angela’s reluctant rebellion and Gabe’s contrasting role and values.
Themes of Control – Media manipulation, emotion suppression, and AI influence.
Symbolic Elements – The mysterious Metacube and Kiddie Cubes as tools of indoctrination.
Writing Process & Impact – The book as a cautionary tale, character-driven changes, and reader reactions.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul L Merryfellow is a British-Irish author and software engineer based in London, UK. His love of science fiction stems from authors such as Ray Bradbury, Philip K Dick, and Douglas Adams, and he further enjoys a variety of authors in other genres, such as P G Wodehouse, Franz Kafka, and James Herbert.
Paul is a keen (though lousy) archer, and he spends much time examining the nuances of communication and societal norms through language and culture. He is a Licenced Lay Minister under the Church of England, a puppeteer, and plays the guitar, ukulele, and banjo (in various degrees of "terrible").
Paul is at his happiest when discovering something new and bizarre to investigate!
CONNECT WITH PAUL MERRYFELLOW!
https://linktr.ee/PaulMerryfellowhttps://paulmerryfellow.co.uk/https://goodreads.com/paul-merryfellow https://amazon.com/author/paul-merryfellow https://medium.com/@paul_merryfellow https://bsky.app/profile/plmerryfellow.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/pmerryfellow https://x.com/PLMerryfellow 

THE LAST SINGLE COUPLE IN AMERICA
A wasp infestation. An impending 30th birthday. These are minor catastrophes for Jude, a 29-year-old gay man and Francine, his 30-ish, straight best friend, especially after Jude unknowingly sleeps with the same man Francine also slept with and was hoping to begin a relationship with causing a breach in their friendship. Then, losing his job, Jude decides to visit a childhood friend in San Francisco, possibly starting a new life there. He gets embroiled in some bizarre misadventures, including a misconstrued interview with a gay porn production company, and involvement with a whip-wielding professor into bondage and worst of all to Jude - a foot fetish. After several months of attempting to get a job, and learning of his father's ill health, Jude returns to upstate New York. Once home, Jude meets and falls in love for the first time with Chase Allgood, a handsome gay bar owner. When Jude's father dies, he is reunited with Francine. She informs Jude about Douglas de Chambeau, a debonaire, wealthy jewelry store owner she is involved with. They bask in the glow of their rekindled friendship and mutual happiness, but will Chase's quest for financial security his ex can offer end Jude's happily-ever-after? And will a long-kept secret Douglas hides sabotage Francine's chance for love rendering Jude and Francine the last single couple in America?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Martin Sacchetti received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in film and creative writing. While living in New York City, he attended the Gotham Writer's Workshop. He is an avid reader, has been to all 50 states and 25 countries (and counting), and is a staunch supporter of animal advocacy. He lives in upstate New York with his partner, David, and the spirit of their two Italian Greyhounds, Caesar and Dante. 
Martin is now an award-winning author with The Last Single Couple in America, being a Storytrade finalist for LGBTQ+ Book of the Year and receiving the Literary Titan Book Award.
Follow Martin Sacchetti on Facebook, X, and Instagram:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008265436442
https://www.instagram.com/sacmar1025/
https://x.com/MartinSacc94992
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
Book Overview and Inspiration – Discussion of The Last Single Couple in America, its premise, and the inspiration behind it, including personal experiences and influences like Carrie Fisher.
Themes of Friendship and Singlehood – Exploration of the central friendship between Jude and Francine, the significance of singlehood, and the bittersweet nature of relationships.
Setting and Nostalgia – The novel’s setting in 1990s Albany and San Francisco, the role of nostalgia, and the importance of accurate cultural and geographic details.
Character Development and Writing Process – Insights into Jude’s personality, supporting characters, humor vs. drama balance, and the author's freeform approach to storytelling.
Future Projects and Recognition – Discussion of awards, reader feedback, and upcoming writing projects, including a new book and a one-act play adaptation.
 

TOO MUCH is the gripping true story of a woman driven to the brink, sacrificing everything—love, loyalty, and sanity—in the name of retribution.
I wonder if it all started with a single impulsive decision: joining the U.S. Army for "free" medical school. But the reality of military medicine was far different. I found myself trapped in a system that values hierarchy, patriarchy, and conformity over compassion and care. My mental health deteriorated. Addictive habits became my crutch.
TOO MUCH is the story of my battle to reclaim my sanity and my voice. It's a raw and honest look at the dark side of medicine and the challenges of mental illness. It’s a story that will remind you how a brighter future is possible, even when it feels like everything is broken.
This is my story.  But maybe it’s your story, too.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Cindy Lee Neighbors is a retired US Army physician and writer whose work centers on mental health advocacy. Her debut memoir, TOO MUCH, chronicles her experiences navigating mental health challenges and a toxic work environment within military medicine. She's also a passionate children's book author, with her debut title, Benji and Briana Become Booger Doctors, and the creator of the coloring book series, "Adventures in Surgeryland." Cindy's mission is to inspire others to overcome adversity and find their voice through storytelling.
You can learn more about Cindy and her work at https://www.cindyleeneighbors.com
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The Inspiration and Purpose Behind Too Much – Cindy Neighbors discusses why she wrote her memoir, emphasizing her struggles with mental health during her surgical residency and her desire to break the stigma surrounding these challenges.
The Role of the Ocean as a Symbol in the Memoir – Cindy explains why she opened the book with a scene on a Hawaiian beach and how the ocean serves as a recurring motif representing transformation, reflection, and healing.
The Challenges of Writing a Memoir – Cindy talks about working with her developmental editor, making difficult decisions about what to include and exclude, and the emotional difficulty of revisiting traumatic experiences.
Her Journey Through Mental Health Struggles and Addiction – She details her experiences with substance use, the breaking point that led her to seek help, and how rehabilitation ultimately set her on a different path.
What’s Next: Fiction Writing and Children’s Books – Cindy shares her plans to write fiction, her recent children’s book (Benji and Brianna Become Booker Doctors), and her efforts to remain engaged in the community through creative projects.
 
 

THE UNFORGETTING
Ten years ago, Reagan’s friend died in a tragic accident.But what if it wasn’t an accident?The morning after a raging college graduation party, we found Lanie Martin lying at the bottom of a ravine, her neck snapped in a fatal fall. And I’m not proud of what came next.Before we called the police, we covered ourselves. Cleaned up from the blow-out at Ella’s cabin in the Adirondacks the night before. Got our stories straight.Ella begged me not to tell the police what I saw. She insisted that it was an accident—and we all went along. What did I know? I was plastered that night, and large chunks of that evening are missing for me.But now, in my postpartum state, memories are starting to return, and I can’t help but feel that they might be connected to the soul crushing depression I’ve been experiencing. Is it guilt? Or do I know more than I think I do?So when I receive Ella’s invitation for a ten-year reunion at her family camp—a gathering of remembrance and healing, she’s calling it—I know I have to go.Are the memories I’m struggling to recover the key to my moving on? To being able to take care of my infant son and stay married to the perfect man?Or are they a death sentence for me, too? 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon charts bestselling author of eight domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder, and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time. 
Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee, and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She's an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.
Learn more about Bonnie Traymore and her work at: http://www.bonnietraymore.com/ 
TOPICS OF CONVERSATION
The Inspiration and Themes of The Unforgetting – Discussing the premise of the novel, its connection to memory, unreliable narration, and the influence of Agatha Christie’s locked-room mysteries.
Character Development and Psychological Depth – Exploring Reagan’s struggles with postpartum depression, self-doubt, and past trauma, as well as the dynamics of memory loss and personal growth.
The Role of Setting and Atmosphere – How the Adirondacks contribute to the story’s sense of beauty, isolation, and danger, and the importance of location in creating suspense.
Suspense-Building Techniques and Thriller Elements – The use of microtensions, dual narration, past and present timelines, and real-life research on memory and substance use to enhance the story’s psychological depth.
Bonnie Traymore’s Writing Journey and Upcoming Projects – Her evolution as a thriller writer, shifting from plot-driven to more character-focused storytelling, her new book Swipe, and the upcoming audiobook release of The Unforgetting.