Tag Archives: Short Stories

 
I write fiction, long and short. My writings cross over many genres and focus on diverse subjects, ranging from the mysteries of the human mind, with its fragile psychological and emotional states, to the everyday joy and anguish of life on Earth.

I’ve been an avid reader my entire life, and started writing at the age of 12. I love a good story, of course, a compelling plot and satisfying conclusion. Yet as a reader, I’ve always been drawn to great characters. The characters bring me back to an author time and time again. This shows in my writing, where I attempt to create authentic, complex, real characters you can come to love, and in whose company you feel at home. Or maybe you’ll despise a character and want to stick a fork in his eye. Hey, bad guys are fun too!

I did my tour in the real world, serving in the U.S. Air Force, then working as everything from a forklift operator to a bartender in my youth, before settling in as Business Services and Project Manager for a large manufacturing and distribution concern. Now, at long last (Man! Why did I wait so long?), I’m putting pedal to the metal in pursuit of the author’s life.

After many years as a Freelance Editor, with several clients published or aspiring to be so, I co-founded Evolved Publishing, where I wear many hats. As an author, I started with a few short stories, and released my debut novel, the psychological thriller Forgive Me, Alex, in December 2011. The sequel, The Devil’s Bane, is under way and due some time before The Apocalypse, I hope–if my publisher’s and editor’s duties ever allow me time.

My wife Maria and I currently split our time between Las Vegas and Transylvania, with an eye toward settling down in sunny Belize, and bringing over some kids and grandkids from Transylvania.

Words can leave us breathless, sentences can stir hearts, paragraphs can spark the mind, and stories can enrich the soul. It all starts not with words, but with the right words.

I’ve learned this after reading and editing dozens of aspiring or self-published authors: the world offers a modest number of decent storytellers, but precious few writers who can stir one’s soul. The art and craft of writing requires dedication, a commitment to continual learning, an acceptance that quality and professionalism are a must, and an understanding that none of us can make it to the top without a little help.

I would not even dream of publishing a piece without my editor first taking a swipe at it.

Those who succeed at and make a living in this game have embraced those truths with gusto. The rest are, dare I say it, still languishing as amateurs. I say this not to discourage anyone; the last thing I want to do is dash anyone’s dreams on the rocks. I say it to encourage writers to do the right things. Success comes not to those who merely dream, but to those who weave perspiration into their aspirations.

I repeat: It all starts with the right words.

If you’re not there yet, fear not. That’s why we’re here. Let us help each other to achieve those great dreams.

As a publisher, I rely first and foremost on our outstanding team of editors to help us identify the works that will fit with our primary goal of building a quality catalog. Our team of editors are skilled in the literary arts, to be sure. However, it’s not really that simple, is it?

There’s a certain subjective element in any analysis of art. It is, after all, art – not so simple as 1 + 1 = 2. What moves one editor may not move another, just as what moves one reader may not move another. Thus, we try to ensure that we’re not passing on an excellent piece simply because it didn’t fit into the “preference zone” of a single editor. We’re trying to publish pieces that fit into that preference zone for a wide audience of readers, not just for one editor. Does that mean we don’t occasionally reject a piece that might do well out there in the world? No, of course not. Sometimes, we just don’t have the time for all the quality work that’s submitted.

Still, we hope to build our team of authors with this goal in mind: build a quality catalog around a quality team. We’re pretty demanding, it’s true – not just because we can be, but because we must be. We owe it to our entire team, given our business model, never to compromise on quality. More than that, however, we owe it to our readers, for that is our covenant with them.

So, if your book is not a first draft, but something over which you’ve poured out your heart and soul; if your book has passed muster with your beta readers; if your book has at least a modicum of editing already done; then you should consider submitting with us. If all of the preceding are not true… well, enter at your own risk. Furthermore, if you don’t already have a strong online presence, working to build your author brand, you’re already late! Get started… now.

NOTE: If you hover your mouse over a cover, you’ll see the title, and be able to select the English version versus various foreign translations.

Lane Diamond

Devane’s Reality

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EVOLUTION Volumes I and II

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Forgive Me, Alex

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Paradoja – Un Cuento Corto

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Paradox

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Pardonne-Moi, Alex

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Perdonami, Alex

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PLAYSTER

Perdóname, Alex

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The Devil’s Bane

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Well-Suited Sentry

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Wind Tunnel

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Edited or Co-Edited by Lane Diamond
(Updated 23 September 2021: 175 Books)

128 Titles Still Active:

Along the Watchtower by David Litwack And Then It Rained by Megan Morrison The Awakening of David Rose by Daryl Rothman The Announcement by Edwin Peng The Balderdash Saga – Special Edition by J.W. Zulauf Bella and the Blue Genie by Jonathan Gould Black and White Truth by K.M. Hodge Born – Against All Odds by Hope Silver Brink of Dawn by Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef Broken Path by Ruby Standing Deer Cass and Logan by Mr. Cagey Magee Cass and Nat by Mr. Cagey Magee Cass and Wat by Mr. Cagey Magee Chaos Theory by Isu Yin & Fae Yang The Children of Darkness by David Litwack A Chink in the Armor by D. Robert Pease The Christmas Donut Revolution by Gregg Sapp Circles by Ruby Standing Deer The Cistern Mission by Michael Dadich The Confessional by A.K. Kuykendall Conundrum by Isu Yin & Fae Yang Darla Decker Hates to Wait by Jessica McHugh Darla Decker Shakes the State by Jessica McHugh Darla Decker Takes the Cake by Jessica McHugh The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky by David Litwack Dead Plains by Angela Scott Deep Mud by Ty Spencer Vossler Devil’s Day by Jeff Altabef Devil’s Deal by Jeff Altabef Diary of a Traveling Hedgehog by Hope Silver Dream Warriors by D. Robert Pease Dual Domination by Pavarti K. Tyler Emlyn and the Gremlin by Steff F. Kneff Emlyn and the Gremlin and the BBQ Disaster by Steff F. Kneff Emlyn and the Gremlin and the Mean Old Cat by Steff F. Kneff Emlyn and the Gremlin and the Seaside Mishap by Steff F. Kneff Emlyn and the Gremlin and the Teenage Sitter by Steff F. Kneff Enemies of the State by Jeff Altabef Enfold Me by Steven Greenberg Evolution: Vol. 1 Editors: Lane Diamond & D.T. Conklin Evolution: Vol. 2 Editors: Lane Diamond & D.T. Conklin Fracture Point by Jeff Altabef Fresh News Straight from Heaven by Gregg Sapp The Futility of Loving a Soldier by E.D. Martin Galerie by Steven Greenberg The Ghost King by Jeff Altabef Girl Enlightened by Megan Morrison Godsknife: Lineage by Timothy C. Ward Godsknife: Revolt by Timothy C. Ward The Green-Eyed Monster by Mike Robinson Hear No More by Melsa Manton Her Twisted Pleasures by Amelia James His Twisted Choice by Amelia James The Holocaust Engine by David Rike & Stephen Patrick Hot Sinatra by Axel Howerton Hurlock the Warrior King by J.W. Zulauf Imperium Heirs by A.K. Kuykendall Indivisible by Julia Camp Inlet Boys by Chris Krupa Invisible by Day by Teri Fink Kubrick’s Game by Derek Taylor Kent The Light of Reason by David Litwack Love, Loss, and Lagniappe by Richard Robbins Maddie’s Monsters by Jonathan Gould The Meeting by Edwin Peng Memoirs of a Transferable Soul by W. Town Andrews Moon Path by Steven Greenberg Negative Space by Mike Robinson Ninja and Bunny’s Great Adventure by Kara S. Tyler Noah Zarc: Cataclysm by D. Robert Pease Noah Zarc: Declaration by D. Robert Pease Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble by D. Robert Pease Noah Zarc: Omnibus (Boxed Set) by D. Robert Pease Noah Zarc: Roswell Incident by D. Robert Pease Panicles by Richard Robbins Patron Saint of Wrong by William LJ Galaini The Possession by A.K. Kuykendall The Prince’s Plight by J.W. Zulauf Prince of Shadows by Isu Yin & Fae Yang Protecting Portia by Pavarti K. Tyler Red Clay, Yellow Grass by Richard Barager Red Death by Jeff Altabef Red on the Run by K.M. Hodge Roland the Pirate Knight by J.W. Zulauf Scarlet the Kindhearted Princess by J.W. Zulauf Scorched Souls by Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef Second Chances by Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef Shadow Swarm by D. Robert Pease The Shaman’s Salvation by J.W. Zulauf Shatter Point by Jeff Altabef Shroud of Eden by Marlin Desault The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich Soul of a Doll by Isu Yin & Fae Yang Sparks from a Cruel Grindstone by William LJ Galaini The Spinner’s Web by Isu Yin & Fae Yang Spirals by Ruby Standing Deer Star City by Edwin Peng Stones by Ruby Standing Deer The Stuff of Stars by David Litwack Sugar & Salt by Pavarti K. Tyler The Sugar House Novellas (Omnibus) by Pavarti K. Tyler Sully P. Snooferpoot’s Amazing New Christmas Pot by Aaron Shaw Ph.D. Sully P. Snooferpoot’s Amazing N- Dayswitcher by Aaron Shaw Ph.D. Sully P. Snooferpoot’s Amazing New Forcefield by Aaron Shaw Ph.D. Sully P. Snooferpoot’s Amazing New Shadow by Aaron Shaw Ph.D. Survivor Roundup by Angela Scott Tall Dark Heart by Chris Krupa The Temptation of Destiny by D.M. Earley The Test by Edwin Peng Their Twisted Love by Amelia James Thomas and the Tiger-Turtle by Jonathan Gould The Time That’s Given by David Litwack The Tormenting Beauty of Empathy by Richard Robbins Trampling in the Land of Woe by William LJ Galaini True Blue Son by K.M. Hodge The Twisted Mosaic (Omnibus Paperback) by Amelia James Two Moons of Sera by P.K. Tyler The Underground Princess by J.W. Zulauf Waking Gods by Mike Robinson Wanted: Dead or Undead by Angela Scott Whispers of the Dead by C.L. Roberts-Huth Whispers of the Serpent by C.L. Roberts-Huth White Chalk by P.K. Tyler Wind Catcher by Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef Wiser by Isu Yin & Fae Yang Yours to Keep or Throw Aside by E.D. Martin Zoë Delante Thriller – Boxed Set 1-3 by C.L. Roberts-Huth The Zombie West Trilogy (Omnibus Edition) by Angela Scott

47 Titles Inactive (or Rights Returned to Author):

Bella World – Kimberly Kinrade
The Clumsy Magician – Majanka Verstraete
Courtney Saves Christmas – Emlyn Chand
Davey the Detective – Emlyn Chand
Desert Flower – Angela Scott
Desert Rice – Angela Scott
The Doll Maker – Majanka Verstraete
Drowning in Fear – Majanka Verstraete
Eulogy – D.T. Conklin
Farsighted – Emlyn Chand
Forbidden Fire – Karpov Kinrade
Forbidden Life – Karpov Kinrade
Forbidden Mind – Karpov Kinrade
The Forbidden Trilogy – Karpov Kinrade
Fright Train – Majanka Verstraete
Grave Error – Majanka Verstraete
Honey the Hero – Emlyn Chand
House of Horrors – Majanka Verstraete
I’d Rather Be Riding My Bike – Eric Pinder
Izzy the Inventor – Emlyn Chand
Larry the Lonely – Emlyn Chand
The Last Meridian – Joe Hefferon
Lexie World – Kimberly Kinrade
Maddie and the Purrfect Crime – Emlyn Chand
Maddie World – Kimberly Kinrade
Mike and the Dog-Gone Labradoodle – Emlyn Chand
Open Heart – Emlyn Chand
The Pet Shop Society – Emlyn Chand
Polly Wants to be a Pirate – Emlyn Chand
Poppy the Proud – Emlyn Chand
Ricky the Runt – Emlyn Chand
Ruby to the Rescue – Emlyn Chand
Sammy Steals the Show – Emlyn Chand
Secret Storm – Amelia James
The Sword of Oops – D.T. Conklin
Tell Me You Want Me – Amelia James
The Three Lost Kids & Cupid’s Capture – Kimberly Kinrade
The Three Lost Kids & The Christmas Curse – Kimberly Kinrade
The Three Lost Kids & The Death of the Sugar Fairy – Kimberly Kinrade
Tommy Goes Trick-or-Treating – Emlyn Chand
Torn Together – Emlyn Chand
Tyler and the Blabber-Mouth Birds – Emlyn Chand
Valentina and the Haunted Mansion – Majanka Verstraete
Valentina and the Masked Mummy – Majanka Verstraete
Valentina and the Whackadoodle Witch – Majanka Verstraete
Vicky Finds a Valentine – Emlyn Chand
Weight of Earth – Stevie Mikayne

UP NEXT from Lane Diamond

Watch for The Devil’s Bane, the sequel to Forgive Me, Alex, coming in the not-too-distant future.

A serial killer the media has dubbed “The Blue Suede Killer” plagues southwest Wisconsin, and the authorities are having a hard time tracking him down. Tony Hooper thinks he can help. After all, this is what he does. He’s a hunter of monsters.

Yet this brings Tony back into the shadows where his love interest, FBI Special Agent Linda Monroe, must do her job. It also brings him close to the one woman he always assumed was meant for him, the woman he lost seventeen years earlier. Can he and Diana speak about what happened? Can they finally put it behind them? Will they move on together, or separately once again… and forever? And what will it all mean for Tony and Linda?

All the while, Tony is battling another foe, the man he’s long called ‘the devil’, Mitchell Norton. They’ve waged their personal war for seventeen years, and it’s time for one – at long lost – to declare victory. ‘The devil’ has stolen too much from Tony, and thrown Tony’s life into a whirlwind of remorse, self-doubt, and self-examination.

If Norton has his way, Tony’s losses will mount even further.

Following the critically-acclaimed Forgive Me, Alex, comes the much anticipated sequel, The Devil’s Bane.