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Short Story: The Thirteenth Hour

Kristine Starling March 8, 2026 March 8, 2026Blog, Creative Writing, Literature

Death keeps perfect time. Blurb: A weary traveler arrives in the forgotten village of Blackwood seeking only a night’s rest. But dusk comes too early, and as reality begins to unravel, he realizes he has walked these streets before. The bell tower tolls, and the truth of his presence in Blackwood draws near, forcing him to confront a debt that can never truly be repaid. Blending gothic horror and dark fantasy, The Thirteenth Hour explores a haunting tale of time, memory, and consequence. Perfect for readers who enjoy atmospheric supernatural suspense, eerie small-town mysteries, and psychological horror with a twist….

The Power of Short Stories

Kristine Starling January 4, 2026 January 5, 2026Blog, Literature, Opinion

As a fantasy writer, I spend a lot of time in long-form worlds: histories, legacies, slow-burn tensions. But short stories offer something else entirely. They don’t expand outward; they press inward. And I think that’s why we love them. Why Do We Love Short Stories? Short stories don’t ask for a long commitment, but they do demand full attention. They drop us into a moment already in motion and trust us to keep pace. There’s no easing in, no excess explanation, only what matters. That immediacy creates intimacy for the reader and requires discipline from the writer. What makes short…