Author: Stories by Karen

I recently found out about a 16 year old mare, abandoned four years ago. She managed to keep herself and two foals alive, though she would likely not have lived much longer. MOUNTAIN JUSTICE, a story of friendship, violence and the love of a horse. The hero in this short story is a stallion, named Czar. His life is much better than Bella’s has been.

All proceeds from the sale of “Mountain Justice” or the ten short story collection, “Long Stories Short” from now through 5/11/15 will be donated for Bella’s care and veterinary expenses.  You get a story, she gets a better life. http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Justice-Karen-Black-ebook/dp/B00D5CENXA/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1430367436&sr=1-2&keywords=mountain+justice …

Bella was abandoned by her owner about 4 years ago at a cattle farm. She was turned out with a stallion and has had numerous foals, two of which are still with her and were still nursing at approximately 1 and 2 years of age. The two fillies are in better condition than Bella, though not in good shape.  Feeding her two babies has depleted her body of important nutrients to be able to support herself.

She has not had vet or farrier work since being turned out four years ago. Her feet are in terrible shape and quite painful. It will take over a year for them to recover.  She is severely malnourished. Bella has a long road to recovery but we are confident she can make a full recovery. We know that she is 16 years old, which is not old by any means this day in age.  She has a lip tattoo, only partially legible, but it  indicates that she is a registered thoroughbred. A GoFundMe account has been set up, asking for assistance with her care and treatment. The initial vet bill was $200.00 and there are many more to come. She still needs her teeth floated (filed) so she can eat better, vaccinations once she is healthy enough, and farrier visits every 4-6 weeks to get her feet back on track.

It will take a lot of story or book sales to reach $2500.00, which is estimated to be necessary for all of her needs, but with enough publicity, I think we can make a difference. Bella and I thank you for your consideration.

http://www.gofundme.com/t562ajg

With a 4.6 out of 5 star rating, this short story has been enjoyed by young and old alike. Reviewers have said: “wonderful prose; words resonate long after the story ends;” “a beautiful little story that speaks to many;” “cleverly written, intriguing.”

Randy was the light of Valerie’s life. After she lost him, she couldn’t imagine how she would live with the dark loneliness that surrounded her, without him. It took a tornado and the love story of two strangers for Valerie to discover that a candle in the darkness is more than a flame flickering in the night.

“I swung the bat. He dropped to the floor, blood flowing. She screamed.”

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/long-stories-short-karen-black/1119446843?ean=9781497396081

Thank you to Author Clarissa Simmens, for her time in reading and reviewing “The Hunted:”  “Writing a full-length novel is much easier than writing a short story, especially a good one. In a novel, there is more time to develop the characters. Karen Black, in her short fiction The Hunted, has not only succeeded in developing her main character, but has deftly created a frightening antagonist. If that wasn’t difficult enough, she presents us with the heroine’s cat whose very soft fur caresses our fingers as we read on. I love “playing against an author” by solving their mystery but never did I suspect the surprise ending. It is only midnight as I finish reading so I’m off to buy another one of her short stories because I’m utterly addicted to her writing!”

 

The reviews have begun: “Gripping; Intense; Riveting; Action packed.” How far will you go to save a friend’s life?

“Mountain Justice,” a short story, long remembered.

“Stories for the Dead of Night” by The Seven Fates Writers http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E03UDAA

The Seven Fates Writers: “Stories for the Dead of Night” http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E03UDAA

I’m excited to announce the publication of “Stories for the Dead of Night,” an anthology, by The Seven Fates Writers. Five of the most serious, yet entertaining writers in Indie have joined forces to bring readers a variety of well written short stories, in various genres.  Yes, I’m one of the five!

“Stories for the Dead of Night” contains 19 unique tales of ghosts, secrets, nightmares and the supernatural, tossed with slices of flash fiction and sprinkled with wistful poetry. Some stories have been previously published, but there are plenty of new ones, too. The Seven Fates Writers are: Catherine A. MacKenzie, Robert L. Arend, Jennifer J. Arend, Karen Black and Brittany Joy Chadwick.

“Stories for the Dead of Night” is available at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E03UDAA   and Smashwords https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/337290

 

 

Authors love reviews. Of course, they prefer the good ones to the bad ones, but honesty is important.  I am always totally delighted when someone likes one of my stories.  I’m even more excited, when a reader actually takes the time to write a review and tell the world they liked a story!    Below are excerpts from some of the readers’ opinions of “The Hunted.”

 Jo Waugh Dirk:

“.  .  . Karen did it again. The story pulls you right in and makes you feel like you are in the woods with the characters. If you like surprise endings this is a must read. .  . ”

By Joyce Carran:

“It was so well written and descriptive, you could put yourself right in the middle of the forest. Mrs. Black has the knack for keeping your interest and the plot is excellent. The end is smashing as it is completely unexpected. Congratulations Mrs. Black for yet another winner!! ”

 The Robert (Robert Arend)

Much of “The Hunted” shifts back and forth from two realities near collision.   .  .  . What makes “The Hunted” a superior short story is how masterfully the author manipulates the reader into the story’s ending, when all the seemingly loose threads are instantly pulled taut in a revelation so unexpected, yet certain, in its resolution. . . ”

 Della Selner:

“Ms. Black is quickly becoming one of my must read Authors. Her style of twisting reality will keep you off balance and keep you reading. An amazing story teller.”