I’m very excited to share that Flashes in the Dark published my flash “My Nightmare” yesterday.
Yep, I’m still away but I hijacked my husband’s computer really quick this morning to make sure my story had been published. Then I figured why not share it here. That way I could still publish something while we take this little vacation of ours. (We haven’t had much luck finding any Haunt Jaunts I hate to admit or I’d surely be sharing that instead!)
THE BIG DEAL ABOUT THE STORY
“My Nightmare” is the first story I’ve had accepted for publication in about two years now. I hadn’t had much time to write fiction there for a while, or submit, so this is a big deal for me.
It started about two years ago, I was both writing for Families.com and working with an agent to find a publisher for my manuscript, The Ghost of Laurie Floyd. That left me little time for short fiction.
Then, a little over a year ago, my mom got sick and I moved her to live with me so I could care for her in her final days. And then there was my hitchhiker…
Those things not only ate up my time, but they devoured my psychic energy. I just didn’t have it in me to sit down and write.
But when I did feel better and had time, this was one of the first stories I banged out.
IRONY OF IT ALL
The ironic thing is, this story is based on a real recurring nightmare I was having about my mom, who died last year on July 3.
The editors didn’t know that part. They just randomly selected the publication date.
I haven’t had the dream in a while, so I’m hoping that means my mom is now finally resting in peace.
Still thinking of you, Mom.
In Memoriam of Dorothy Mroch October 4, 1931-July 3, 2008
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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Congrat's! Your mom would be oh so proud, but then I'm sure she always was oh so proud of you. She'd probably say, "that's just my Courtney being Courtney."
What a really nice comment, AutumnForest. Thank you.
Loved the story. congrats on getting it published. Sorry to hear it was basied on your real experience.