Of Flowers and Snails
Heartlines Spec: Issue 9
Thirteen trees formed a line in the grove; thirteen sentinels standing guard, watching over the village that lay beyond. None were of the same species, and records disagreed, claiming the seventh to be a pine instead of an oak, or the third to be a spruce instead of a willow. But everyone could agree that there were, and always had been, thirteen, for that was what was needed to keep the people of Tule safe from the horrors of the Wild. Safe from the malice that would otherwise creep into their homes, wreak havoc on their forms, and sully their pristine hearts.
But there were some things that could slip between the trees’ branches, perhaps some things the wooden guardians were never meant to keep out at all.
Issue 9 features farewells, apocalypses, the decay of laws of physics and things lurking in the water, waiting to drag you under. These endings are all balanced with new beginnings. Much like the death card in tarot signifies transition, these stories and poems speak of new, kinder, communities that emerge from the rubble, of gardens that spread after the end, of the metamorphosis of a life into anoth
Time in a Bottle
Indie Bites 20: Potions & Paramours
After car troubles leave her stranded at the Hoddinott Hotel, Sophie meets Milo, an elderly man who has come to watch a former lover’s piano performance. As Sophie tries to prove herself to be the perfect wingman, the two bond over (questionably magical) drinks and tales of their past loves in a hotel that may be filled with more magic than anyone realizes.
Fantasy stories with teeth
This time, we’re all about potions and paramours, and we have a bubbling concoction of seven spectacular stories to share with you this issue.
In these pages, you’ll find thieves, princes, adventurers, wizards, gods, vampires and librarians, all ready for romance, excitement, revenge, or a combination of all three.
We have lovers who are experiencing a spark for the first time, but also those who have settled into each other with comforting familiarity – with these themes, it’s no surprise that this issue is romance-heavy, but each of our authors has a unique world for you to explore.
On top of all that, we also have an interview with fantastic indie author Andi R. Christopher.
So let’s get our potions bubbling. There’s plenty here to sink your teeth into.
In Concert
Indie Bites 18: Bards & Bargains
Following the death of her parents, Lark unexpectedly becomes the next reigning bard queen. Tasked with using the magic contained within her songs to better the dire state of her kingdom, she makes a perilous bargain with a spirit, and after years of prosperity, her deal is about to come due.
Fantasy stories with teeth
This time, we’re telling tales about bards and bargains, and we have eleven stories of melodic mayhem for you to enjoy.
In these pages, you’ll find music both benign and bothersome, from magical protection tunes to the haunting snatch of song that teases at the edge of your hearing, and you’ll meet bard queens, wannabe rockstars, and pirate pipers. Some of our authors have brought fresh life to old tales; others bring you into entirely new worlds of imagination.
Whatever your taste, we hope this is a set list you’ll very much enjoy.
On top of all that, we also have an interview with fantastic indie author R.K. Ashwick.
So let’s get bargaining. There’s plenty here to sink your teeth into.
Allie Leigh 