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Mood and Mystique
Midnights in October is a collection of thirty-one fifty-five-word tales offering glimpses into the supernatural, giving readers an eerie story to cherish each night in October. What was the inspiration for this unique collection?
October is my favorite month of the year. I love the changing light, the temperature cooling, and the overall anticipation of All Hallows Eve. It occurred to me that having a nightly morsel to read would be a great way to add to the mood and mystique of such a month while enticing us, every night, to spend an hour or two by candlelight making up our own fables on the spot.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together this book?
As Angel Numbers go, five is an intriguing one, and so are double fives. Infected by the notion of combining powerful numbers and words into a spellcasting fest, I committed to keeping my micro-fictions within a 55-word limit. I won’t lie, the revisions were numerous, at least five for each one, and word placement was maddening, but after extensive beta-reading, editing, and proofing, each micro fiction felt just right. It helped that there are specific observances in the month of October, which gave me a ready topic to explore. The other 13 days became a mixture of supernatural slices, wishful thinking, or expressed views.
Do you have a favorite selection from Midnights in October? One that was especially fun to write.
My favorite is October 31, “Halloween.” Every time I read it, I pat myself on the back because it paints such a dreamlike picture. As far as fun ones to write, I’d have to say October 2nd, “The Sky is Falling,” and October 17th, “¡Salud!”
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My Faerie Legacy series, chronicling the lives of 3 matriarchs in hybrid faery-human family, is currently a trilogy (now available in Spanish), and I’m contemplating writing a 4th book. I’ve barely started the outline process, so it won’t be a 2026 publication— 2027 might be more on the mark.
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But words said in October will inevitably conjure a spellcasting fest.
‘Tis the season for lit-tricky-treats, so dive in, make a ritual of it and, on the fly, compose your own nightly fable in fifty-five words or less.
Why fifty-five?
It’s all about the energy double fives lend to the moment or task.
When casting in October, let your words, or the components of your spell, be 55 in number. Its power will infuse your intention with signature energies like adventure, change, development, opportunity, and transformation, all vital when seeking to begin afresh.
Midnights in October – eerie nightly escapes
Midnights in October is a collection of 31 tiny tales, each just fifty-five words, crafted to match the eerie, mystical mood of every October night. Each story aligns with a calendar day in October, some rooted in real-world observances and others purely imagined. The book doesn’t follow a linear plot but rather unfolds like a haunted advent calendar, with each entry offering a flash of the supernatural, a flicker of fear, or a jolt of dark whimsy. Ghosts, witches, misfits, rebels, and spirits lurk behind every page, waiting to whisper their fifty-five-word truths into the reader’s ear.
I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. I’ve seen microfiction before, but never quite like this. The tight word limit could’ve been a creative straitjacket, but Bossano wears it like armor. Each story punches harder because there’s no room to soften the blow. The writing is sharp, vivid, and almost lyrical. It dances between poetic and unsettling without getting bogged down in over-explanation. I found myself rereading many entries just to let the mood sink in again. One second, you’re smirking at a sly jab; the next, you’re genuinely creeped out. It was like sipping thirty-one shots of moonlight and ink, each with a different burn going down.
What I liked most, though, were the ideas hidden behind the shadows. There’s anger here. Power. Longing. Justice. Loss. Bossano doesn’t just want to scare or amuse you, she wants you to see something. Sometimes it’s political, sometimes it’s personal, sometimes it’s just raw. Stories like “¡Salud!” and “Uprising” stirred something deep and real. Others, like “It’s My Party Day” or “National Cat Day”, brought a strange tenderness to the eerie. It’s rare that something so short can carry so much weight, but these stories do. They sneak up on you. You’ll feel a little haunted afterward.
Midnights in October is a perfect companion for dark, quiet nights when the wind starts to rattle the windows and you want something strange to keep you company. I’d recommend it to fans of flash fiction, lovers of all things spooky, and anyone who craves clever, offbeat storytelling that doesn’t overstay its welcome. If you enjoy Halloween vibes with a side of soul-searching, this is for you.
Pages: 39 | ASIN: B0FJMVJF85
Monstrously Clever (Happy Tails)
Monstrously Clever, by Michele L. Sayre, part of the Happy Tails Series, presents an engaging narrative set in Monster Point, a unique town where humans and monsters coexist peacefully. This children’s book centers on Mori, a young witch, who, along with her diverse group of friends including Daffodil the Fairy and Joe the Human, orchestrates the Halloween festivities. The story cleverly explores themes of acceptance and friendship in a world where not everyone embraces the idea of humans and monsters mingling.
Sayre’s writing effectively portrays the interactions between the magical and human realms, offering a narrative that champions diversity and inclusivity. These memorable characters, crafted with charm, navigate challenges and demonstrate that differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated as strengths. This message is subtly yet powerfully interwoven throughout the book, emphasizing that true friendship can transcend any obstacle.
The illustrations add depth and vibrancy to the narrative, with each page radiating life and emotion. The book also playfully nods to popular culture, as evidenced by a subtle reference to Stargate: SG-1, adding an additional layer of engagement for readers. The book culminates in a resonant message: individual choices and actions are pivotal in shaping a better world. Emphasizing the strength of friendship and the importance of embracing diversity, Monstrously Clever imparts a poignant and lasting impression.
Ideal for readers of all ages, this book is particularly well-suited for home reading or educational settings. It not only entertains but also imparts a meaningful lesson about the impact of tolerance and the beauty of diversity. Monstrously Clever invites readers to reflect on the significance of personal choice and the power of unity in creating a more accepting and inclusive world, possibly finding that the essence of Monster Point isn’t so far from our own reality.
Pages: 101 | ASIN : B0CN5BZ335
Chess Fiction For Kids
“No Time for Halloween: The Frankenstein-Dracula Defense” follows the Cozy Chess Club’s desperate race against time to solve the mystery of the missing chess clock so as not to let their epic Halloween celebration be ruined. What was the inspiration for the setting and setup of your story?
When I first felt the inspiration to incorporate chess into my own classroom, I was observing children play the game at a colleague’s afterschool club. It seemed fitting to choose that moment as the inspiration for the name and setting of my new series, The Cozy Chess Club Mysteries. Also, my own chess club location was indeed quite cozy, as I provided two couches, bouncy balls, and various creature comforts and treats in my classroom.
As is my ongoing goal when writing chess fiction for kids, the setting is always in some way immersed in chess, but the story stands on its own and does not require chess knowledge. However, towards the end of this book, I do teach a quick Halloween-themed chess opening (the “opening” is a short series of moves to begin a chess game) to add extra enjoyment for my readers.
When it comes to the story setup, all students have a strong attachment to their classroom belongings and special activity items. In this case, a specific piece of equipment goes missing at a highly inconvenient time, providing a high-stakes dramatic beginning of a mystery to which young children can relate.
The characters Jasmine, Dondre, Abbie, and Zack each have unique traits. Can you share some insights into your inspiration for these characters?
I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing these characters spring to life as I wrote this book. Each child possesses multiple traits inspired by the countless students I have known throughout the years. There is the endearing spontaneity of Dondre, the emotionally resilient Abbie, the wise-beyond-her-years Jasmine, and the dependable and unassumingly self-assured Zack. I adore the camaraderie they cultivate as a team, as well as the various dynamics that unfold when they engage one-to-one. Writing these books rejuvenates my connection to the classroom, allowing me to relish the company of my students once again.
What message or lessons do you hope young readers take away from this installment of the Cozy Chess Club Mysteries series?
Firstly, I hope young readers thoroughly enjoy reading the mystery from start to finish. Additionally, I hope the regard, friendship, and support exhibited by the students toward one another, as well as the mutual respect between the teacher and students serve as an inspiration to individuals of all ages. Another objective of this book is to encourage schools to incorporate chess into their activities. Chess plays a vital role in helping the characters in the story solve the mystery by promoting logical and analytical thinking. Lastly, should readers feel motivated to try out the Halloween chess opening and even acquire their own chess set after reading this book, that would check off another box on my wish list!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently working on the second book in the Cozy Chess Club Mysteries series, which will take place the day before winter holidays begin. As you might guess, that day brings a new mystery and much drama for the club members! Abbie’s Angel: A Christmas Puzzle should be available by November 1, 2023. A special holiday-related chess strategy will also be included.
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Using strategic and logical thinking, they tackle the mystery, but the minutes are ticking away. Are they headed towards a grandmaster disaster? Enjoy this journey packed with unexpected twists, heart-pounding teamwork, and a surprising solution. Plus, learn a beginner’s Halloween-themed chess opening called the Frankenstein-Dracula Defense. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the worlds of mystery and chess!
Plant Seeds of Kindness
Lucky’s Halloween follows a black cat who spends Halloween helping lost children, replacing lost candy, and calming an anxious child. What inspired you to write a children’s book about a lucky black cat?
I’m a humane educator for my local cat shelter. One of the lessons I teach emphasizes dispelling the myth that black cats are bad luck. This is a crucial topic because this myth has perpetuated cruelty. What I love about this lesson is that it can be expanded to include teaching about prejudice against people as well. Humane education aspires to plant seeds of kindness and inclusivity. I hope that this book can act as one of those seeds.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun creating?
I can’t pick just one. Autumn is my favorite season, and Halloween is such a fun holiday. I thoroughly enjoyed creating every scene.
What do you hope young readers take away from your story?
I hope it inspires thoughtful compassion while they come away with the understanding that black cats aren’t bad luck.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m finishing up my third educational coloring book this month. This one is to aid with emotional regulation. It’s called “Calm Coloring With Animals.”
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Written by a humane educator, this gentle story dispels the myth that black cats are bad luck.
A Little Fright And A Little Fun
Halloweenie follows a magical pumpkin who is brought to life, encounters scary situations, and makes unlikely friends. What was the inspiration for your story?
I’ve always loved Halloween and the Fall season, so writing a story about this magical time of year was definitely at the top of my list. The story itself was inspired by classic Disney animated shorts, like “Trick or Treat” that I loved as a kid. A little fright and a little fun mixed in! I also wanted to tell the tale of sticking up for others and standing up to bullies.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Simone Föhl?
Thank you! Simone is an immensely gifted artist, and I’m beyond lucky to have had her as a partner in making Halloweenie. Her instincts for character designs and acting are top notch, and these characters practically jump right off the page. Also, she really used her color design to amplify the emotions of the story. The story starts out light and warm, and gets a little dark as the story gets a little scary, then returns to softer tones for the finale. Pure genius! Simi, as I affectionately call her, is also such a joy to work with! So collaborative and easy-going! We really were aligned on the vision, and had a tremendous partnership. She is the best and of the best, and I’m very grateful to her for her outstanding work on Halloweenie.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I think it’s important to teach kids about standing up to bullies and taking action against harmful behaviours. Using their voice for good and speaking up when they see something wrong happening. Also, my book is very inclusive, with all leads being female characters and representing different cultures and backgrounds. The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media has a wonderful motto, which is, “If she can see it, she can be it.” For too long there hasn’t been enough female representation in stories, and especially in children’s content, so it’s our responsibility as storytellers to implement these changes one book, cartoon, or movie at a time. Universally, it’s so important for every child to see themselves represented in stories across all media. It is fundamental for children’s self esteem to be and feel seen, and is incredibly crucial for healthy development for them and humanity overall.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Right now I am actually working on making Halloweenie into an animated short, which is very exciting! I first envisioned the concept as an animated short, but pivoted and decided to start with the children’s book. Animation is a passion of mine, and I’ve been very fortunate to have had a career in the industry for over a decade. I can’t wait to see this story come to life on the screen, and to reach even more audiences!
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LITERARY TITAN 