Short Story Press Presents Unable To Breathe by Jasmine Bowen • A grungy, edgy Rockstar famous since he was 12 and a young model, innocent in her ways and just coming into her own. • They didn’t have much in common; except for fame…and the inability to properly breathe. • While Olympia’s father does everything to keep her cystic fibrosis under control, his healthy ways won’t give her immortality. Meanwhile, Michael has chosen to live life like a fast burning torch; since he’ll be dead soon either way. • Will Michael’s flamethrower ways destroy Olympia, or will her slow burning candle save him before it’s too late? • Olympia’s family disapproves of the troublesome Rockstar, and his band mates dislike the innocent almost-child that is always around. • Their tender romance is found in breathless moments of understanding; of silent gazes and knowing looks. • About finding beauty even in pain; even when your partner looks their worst. • When Michael receives bad news, it tests their romance at new heights. • “Unable to Breathe” is a story about love despite the difficulties; about the little things that bring you together even if you are worlds apart. About transcending lifestyle, religion, professions; all differences; to be with the one you love. • Is it truly till death do us part, or is there something after that can be shared? Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

Short Story Press Presents Ultimate Hunt by Sarah Zachary Archer, a hunting dog bred solely to devote his abilities to catch his prey at any cost, is taken on the strangest hunt he’s ever experienced. Hagar, his master, is set on catching the elusive legendary creature, the unicorn. Once caught, Hagar plans to cut off her horn and use its magic for his own purposes. At first, the prospects of catching a mythical creature seem laughable to Archer, but after he encounters the unicorn firsthand, it is no longer a joke. He gives chase and corners the beast in a cavern, and unforeseen danger gives way to a cave in, leaving both creatures alone together. It’s through these circumstances Archer learns there’s more to the legend of the unicorn than meets the eye, and perhaps the ultimate hunt will change him far more than he realized. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

Short Story Press Presents Getting Micky Dolenz by Alicia Voss-Guillen “Getting Micky Dolenz” is a funny, touching, heart-warming story that will appeal equally to young adults, pop-culture lovers, and Monkees fans of all ages. Peppered with humor and full of heart, this is the tale of Julie Desmond—or, as she likes to call herself—Julie Desmond Dolenz, a thirteen-year-old living in the psychedelic sixties who is absolutely ape over drummer Micky Dolenz of the sensational, made-for-TV band, The Monkees. Ever since the show first aired in 1966—nearly a year ago now—Julie has been crazy about the sparkly-eyed drummer with magnetic personality and fluffy brown curls. And when Julie gets the chance of a lifetime—to meet Micky Dolenz at an exclusive Malibu party—no one on earth is happier than she. It takes one magical evening full of dreams come true for Julie to make a surprising discovery about crushes, first love, and finding romance where she least expects it. Julie’s scheming and dreaming about her favorite celebrity will strike a chord with any girl who has ever pined after a hunky movie star or musician. Her decidedly 1960’s lifestyle will tickle the fancy of those who lived through that colorful decade or merely wished to. Her idol-worship of The Monkees will cause Monkees fans, young and old, to be swept into the whirlwind adventure of Julie’s dream come true. Author Alicia Voss’s own love of The Monkees inspired her to concoct a tantalizing tale sure to be enjoyed by many readers. “Deciding on the title was easy,” she says. “As many may know, there’s an episode of the Brady Bunch entitled ‘Getting Davy Jones’ and featuring the Monkee of the same name. In my opinion, Micky Dolenz, much as he is loved, is an underappreciated talent, not to mention a wonderfully memorable personality! For these reasons, it only made sense to write a story entitled ‘Getting Micky Dolenz!’” Alicia Voss has been an avid follower of the Monkees since she was thirteen—Julie’s age. She has been to Monkees concerts, written endless amounts of fan mail, received personalized autographs from Davy Jones and Peter Tork (she still needs Micky’s and Mike’s!), and has even had the privilege of meeting Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz, her two favorite Monkees at a concert she went to for her fifteenth birthday. She is probably the only person in the world who has made their own Monkees paper dolls (complete with an extensive wardrobe of hand-drawn psychedelic clothes), carved Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz jack-o-lanterns, and named a stuffed animal D.W. Washburn (after the Monkees’ song). The death of Davy Jones in February 2012 was admittedly a very difficult time for her, but she plans to keep him alive in her memory always. As for Micky Dolenz, it has long been one of Alicia’s biggest dreams to go to lunch with him. “Who knows?” says the young author. “Maybe someday it will come true! I’d also love it if he read ‘Getting Micky Dolenz’!” Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

Short Story Press Presents Jumping Candlestick by Ruth Pettite Angelique wants nothing more than to meet her personal Prince Charming. She becomes involved in a domestic case, and the officer in the case takes a liking to her stern attitude and brilliance in domestic law. Frederick comes back after being shunned and verbally excused from this teacher’s presence. She is aware of everything, except that he is readily and eagerly interested in her. After accepting a hasty date decision, Angelique decides that maybe a Prince Charming may come to her after all. Mystery and suspense fill this man’s life, making Angelique wary of whom she is actually with. Could this be the honest officer that suddenly asked her out? Should she really be here or think twice about the whole thing? Every decision seems to be made for Angelique, although she feels she is making each one on her own. Will Angelique find her true Prince Charming? Will Mr. Frederick be as special and wonderful and beautiful as he is making everything around her? Or will she be at wits end again, wondering if her Prince Charming will ever show? Watch Angelique jump candlesticks to get to where she wants to be, and with who she really needs to be from a true story short tale. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

Short Story Press Presents Sergeant's Heart by Natashiah Jansen Love, lost and new beginnings these are the things you can expect in the latest Natashiah Jansen story entitled “Sergeant’s Heart” Celest didn’t expect to start her new life with the love of her life on such a devastating note. Luckily for her, Dina, a life-long friend, is always by her side to support her. In her journey to recovery a handsome stranger moves into the neighborhood. If only she knows how much they have in common. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

More Than My Bestselling Memoir: Challenges of a Fiction Writer Being Overshadowed by the Success of Her Past Memoir tells the story of a young writer trying to write a second book after her first book was a runaway hit. In this story, young adult, Marge, feels stifled and uninspired as her publishers’ pressure her to find greatness yet again in her next story, but Marge is out of ideas. This is a story detailing the trials and tribulations of a writer. Most of all, it tells the story of a young woman learning that she is more than her memoir and all the gritty moments she lived through. This is a story about: • Life after the limelight and how fleeting popularity can be • Self-reflection and identity • Lots of writer’s block • Making ends meet in hard times • The pressure of expectation • Addiction, depression, and recovery • Being stuck but desperately yearning for movement • Finding inspiration in unusual places • Feeling overshadowed by one’s accomplishments • Trying to survive in the world as a young woman • Learning to love oneself regardless of professional achievement More than My Bestselling Memoir is a story about creation and growth. Most prominently, it is about Marge embracing her reputation and not letting it control her future because while she can’t unwrite her first book, she can write whatever she wants for book two. About the Writer Elise Lashinsky, a creative and idealistic individual, is an avid reader who loves to create worlds of her own, which she has been doing before she could even write. Throughout her childhood and into her adulthood, she has continuously nurtured her love of writing and storytelling throughout her endeavors. She likes to practice writing of all kinds. For Elise, writing is an invaluable craft that helps her illustrate the aspects she loves (and hates) most about the world. She tries to write at least a little every day to develop her skills and relax. Elise also has a profound love of other arts, such as music and ballet, which are other powerful methods of world-building and self-expression. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

Short Story Press Presents In The Scope by Don Codner An assassin is at the top of his field and each of his kills are never the same. In this way, he never leaves a signature and that keeps the law two steps behind. It’s a life full of turmoil and continuous travel, but it’s the life he chose. • He gets a job that requires him to kill not only the mother and father, but also the heir apparent. The client wants this done, so there’ll be no one to step in and take what’s rightfully his. • The assassin has done this on many occasions and has no problem with it, until he finds his crosshairs on a one-year-old baby. • He can’t take this baby’s life, but he can’t leave him there either. So, he takes the little one into his home and raises him as his own. • The kid learns everything that the assassin knows and he tries desperately not to subject him to the life he leads. • One day the kid, now aged 18, finds a box that reveals who he really is and that his ‘Father’ is responsible for killing his parents. • He comes out to the public and takes the fortune that rightfully belongs to him. He can’t stop thinking about what the assassin took from him and sends out various characters to kill him. • He decides that he must take on his teacher on his own. Mr. Smith the Assassin has no choice but to play cat and mouse with his own son and takes the fight across the globe. The world has his face in their crosshairs and many would-be killers come out to collect the bounty on his head. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.