Short Story Press Presents Playing For The Devil by JM Scott Twenty years ago, a band called Sewer Ratz thought they had everything they could ever want. A man named Damon Crowley wanted to sign them and make a record, perform at top places and above all make lots of money and have fame. But one night, the club they were playing in catches on fire and everyone dies except for one person. This person flees New York and finds new purpose in Oberlin. Kansas. In the present, the same thing happens to another young man with similar circumstances. He, too, was in a band and man wanted to sign the band and make all their dreams come true. Another fire ensues and this young man, Cannibal is the lone survivor. When he awakens, he is driven by the notion that he must go to Oberlin, Kansas and meet a man. On his hospital bed, someone leaves a record from the Sewer Ratz. He doesn’t think twice and heads to Oberlin, Kansas. Now that Cannibal is in Oberlin and meets Rat. And the two find themselves being riddled with odd people who keep saying in one or way or another that they have to get to Jersey City, New Jersey. The old rocker and the new rocker head off to Jersey City, not knowing what will happen when they get there. Yet, they want answers and they can’t shake the feeling they have to go. Once in Jersey City, there is one more concert before all hell breaks loose. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

Short Story Press Presents The Gig by Cody Weinmann The book, The Gig is a story of American horror and tragedy that involves the downfall of a once-successful musician who had travelled the world, one coffee shop, one bar, one stage at a time. Under the recession, he fell out of work. He began searching coffee shops, just begging different shop owners for work. He was never seen without his sax in hand, but after the thirtieth no from the 30th club or coffee house, he is sitting having coffee when he falls to the floor in a massive, convulsing seizure. In another pose, 24 hours after this attempt on his life, the devil threatens the musician's life with another seizure and then a car wreck. In a saving grab, the musician is taken to heaven where he's listed as one of God's musical heroes. You can call it a horror cum spiritual story where fate and faith are tested multiple times. This story really brings to light just how difficult it is to live in this dangerous world and to survive where money is an ever-tightening resource. It also shows how the lack of money contributes to the downfall of other attributes to a person, including the individual's health and mental capacity. This book puts a new spin on horror and spirituality as a mix to remember. Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

What happens when the stories we've been told fail us? In ten provocative and unsettling tales, Pedro Ponce grapples with the human instinct to create a narrative out of disparate experiences. The Devil and the Dairy Princess interrogates the power of stories to impact us for good or ill. We are all taught that love is destined to happen with our soul mate and that hard work eventually leads to success. But when faced with circumstances that no longer fit the chosen narrative, some protagonists cling to their outmoded stories with greater fervor, while others realize the old stories no longer suffice, so they choose to inhabit a new reality in stories yet to be told. Perfect for any reader who enjoys literary realism or speculative fiction, The Devil and the Dairy Princess reveals the episodic history of humanity's romance with narrative, from first love to breakup to hopeful reconciliation.

The 'French Classics - Boxed Set: 100+ Novels, Short Stories, Poems, Plays & Philosophical Books' offers an unparalleled journey through the richness of French literary tradition, sweeping across genres from the vivid realism of Émile Zola to the romantic adventures of Alexandre Dumas, and the profound philosophical discussions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau. This anthology encapsulates the evolution of French literature, showcasing its ability to reflect and shape societal changes and individual experiences. It invites readers to explore seminal works that have defined and transcended their times, including revolutionary plays, poignant poems, and transformative philosophical texts. The thematic diversity and stylistic innovations present in this collection serve as a testament to the enduring legacy and versatility of French literary crafts. The contributing authors and editors, pillars of French literature, bring to this collection a range of perspectives shaped by their distinct historical contexts, personal experiences, and cultural backgrounds. From the Enlightenment thoughts of Voltaire to the existential complexity of Marcel Proust's narrative, each contributor has played a pivotal role in literary movements that span from the Renaissance to modernism. Their collective works offer a dynamic exploration of human nature, societal norms, and the pursuit of truth, underscoring the anthology's relevance to both contemporary and historical social discourses. For scholars, students, and aficionados of literature, 'French Classics - Boxed Set' presents an invaluable opportunity to engage with the comprehensive scope of French literary genius. It not only enhances the readers appreciation for the depth and breadth of French literature but also encourages a nuanced understanding of the cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic dialogues that have enriched the global literary landscape. This collection is an essential addition to any library, promising countless hours of enjoyment and scholarly inquiry.

Short Story Press Presents Dead Shot Clock by Blaise Marcoux. Years ago, Mayan demons invaded Earth, first with zombie foot soldiers, then in person, forcing humanity into submission. Without warning, the demons retreated to their realm, with most of humankind bewildered as to why. Little does the average person know that the government bartered a treaty with the demons. Every year, five teams of fourteen-year olds, each from a different continent, must play basketball with the demons in a game that will decide whether humanity stays safe... or another hellish invasion begins. This story follows one such team's game. • Jacob, the team's captain, has a violent fit alone in the team's practice gym's locker room. His skin grays, he has seizures, and his organs rot before he manages to stave off the symptoms with a self-administered injection of an unspecified solution. • He joins his impatiently waiting team and gets on the bus headed toward the annual game. The other players are introduced: Emma, Carlos, Daequan, Deandre and Dewayne, and Eric. • The team meets Colonel Rodriguez. He explains the treaty with the demons and the team's role in defending Earth along with a quick brush up on the demon's history with the Mayans. During his presentation, he lets slip that humanity has reclaimed some of the zombies from the demons using antidotes. Jacob uncomfortably stays silent. • The team is escorted to the court where they will play the demons. In the locker room, Jacob reencounters evidence of his earlier episode and starts changing into a zombie again. He antidotes himself just in time, but the team knows his secret now and decides not to let him play the game with them. They leave him alone in the locker room. • At halftime, the team returns battered and bruised from the first half. Humanity is losing by ten. Eric is dead, killed by a demonic flagrant foul. Jacob's teammates beg him to play, a request he quickly accepts. Jacob fights alongside his teammates to even the score. The clock ticks down, almost at zero. Humanity cannot tie without consequences. A demon eyes Jacob malevolently as the boy stares down the basket. Jacob's skin goes pale. Will he score the winning basket, saving humanity? Will the demon rip him to shreds like it did Eric? Worse yet, will Jacob succumb to the monster inside him and let down his team for good? What happens next when all the world has is a Dead Shot Clock? Short Story Press publishes short stories written by everyday writers.

The Greatest Works of French Literature: 100+ Novels, Short Stories, Poetry Collections & Plays' represents a comprehensive exploration into the heart and soul of French literary brilliance, spanning several centuries of intellectual and creative thought. This anthology encapsulates the diversity and depth of French literature, covering a gamut of genres from the tragic to the comedic, the romantic to the realist. Significant for its inclusion of a variety of literary styles, this collection brings together the monumental works of renowned authors like Voltaire, Marcel Proust, and Gustave Flaubert, among others, offering readers an unparalleled mosaic of French literary heritage. Each piece, carefully selected for its historical and cultural significance, invites readers into the complexities and beauties of human experience as seen through a distinctly French lens. The contributing authors and editors, hailing from varied backgrounds, epochs, and philosophical inclinations, collectively define and expand the contours of French literature. From the pioneering essays of Jean-Jacques Rousseau to the intricate psychological novels of Marcel Proust, and from the critical social commentaries of Émile Zola to the lyrical beauty of Charles Baudelaire's poetry, this anthology is steeped in the contributions of figures who have been instrumental in inspiring literary and cultural movements such as the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, and the Existentialist movement. The collection stands as a testament to the dynamic dialogues and intersections across different periods, showcasing how these varied voices contribute to a richer, more nuanced understanding of themes such as identity, power, love, and societal change. 'The Greatest Works of French Literature: 100+ Novels, Short Stories, Poetry Collections & Plays' is an indispensable collection for anyone seeking to delve into the vast expanse of French literary tradition. It offers readers a unique opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of thematic and stylistic expressions, fostering a deeper appreciation of the classics while engaging with the evolution of French thought and storytelling. This anthology is not merely an academic resource but a portal to the luminous world of French literature, inviting readers to confront and ponder the universal questions that have perennially captivated the human spirit, all through the distinct and powerful medium of French literary art.

In 'The Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott,' readers will find a comprehensive collection of Scott's literary works including novels, short stories, poetry, plays, journals, letters, articles, and more. Scott's writing style is known for its intricate storytelling, historical accuracy, and vivid descriptions of Scottish landscapes and characters. His works often explore themes of honor, loyalty, and heroism, making them essential pieces of Scottish literature and Romanticism. This illustrated edition provides a valuable insight into Scott's creative process and the cultural milieu of his time.Walter Scott, a Scottish historical novelist, poet, and playwright, was inspired by Scotland's rich history and folklore when writing his works. His deep love for his country and its traditions shines through in his diverse body of work, which has influenced generations of writers and thinkers. Scott's commitment to preserving Scotland's cultural heritage helped revitalize Scottish literature and bring international attention to Scottish identity.'The Complete Works of Sir Walter Scott' is a must-read for anyone interested in Scottish literature, Romanticism, or historical fiction. Scott's timeless tales and engaging storytelling style will captivate readers and transport them to a bygone era of chivalry and adventure.