Shutter Step

By Stephanie Pitcher Fishman, CM Niles, Stacy Claflin and 2 more

Shutter Step a diverse collection of short fiction written by five authors of diverse backgrounds and genres. Inspired by a common image and sound, each story will transport you to a different time or place - from worlds far away to the house next door. 

The short fiction format is a great way to get a taste of each author’s style in a short period of time. A handy introduction gives you a peek into the inspiration for each story. Also included is a biography section that allows you to learn more about each author as well as where you can devour more of their characters and plot lines. 

Included in Shutter Step: 
Riley by CM Niles 
Terra Weaver by Stacy Claflin 
Shaded by Dede Nesbitt 
Hush, Constance by Andrea Johnson Beck 
And I Exhale by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stephanie Pitcher Fishman
• Release date: Aug 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516300464

Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

Who am I? I'm a wrangler of words and a keeper of family stories. I'm powered by God & good coffee. My favorite book will always be Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier (and has been since I was in the eighth grade.) I'm in love with the Oxford Comma. I'm hopelessly addicted to having my heart ripped out by BBC dramas. I love to insert references to history, pop culture, and humor into my writing and conversation. I currently have purple hair. I believe Joss Whedon can strike creative lightning at whim. I write character-driven stories about strong women - some broken and some recovered, but all strong. Check out my debut novel, Finding Eliza, as well as my contribution to the short fiction collection, Shutter Step.

Book preview

Shaded

Dede Nesbitt

Shaded

With his circus train refueling and his staff collecting supplies, Gil Salvador decided to explore the small settlement. He knew these outposts well. Goods and delights for those with the distinct misfortune of passing through.

Across the dirt road, a small child cried out. 

Gil perked up, his eyes searching the crowd gathered before a shoppe window. 

A woman waved him off. She’s fine Mr. Gil, her voice boomed. Go on with your exploring.

A smile pulled at the corners of Gil’s lips as thoughts of his first hire floated through his mind. Miss Rebecca. He lost himself, memories of his train’s fortune and misfortune over the last 3 years playing back as he passed the hollowed faces and empty stomachs of the settlement dwellers; Miss Rebecca’s face had been the one constant.

From a far off corner, a glint of deep blue caught Gil’s eye. Hurrying through the empty streets and around the corner, he collided with his curiosity and gasped. A midnight blue mare? Here? He raised his hand to touch the mare, and she snapped at him.

A small voice rose up from behind her, Bloom doesn’t much like being touched. Except by Marguerite. 

Gil craned his neck, searching for the voice’s source. A young boy dressed in nothing more than a dirty sack huddled behind the mare’s haunches.

Marguerite? Gil asked.

My sister.

And what’s your name? . 

The boy swallowed. Pheneer.

Kneeling, Gil pulled a handful of berries from his pocket. The boy narrowed his eyes, snatched the berries, and popped them into his mouth. His eyelids fluttered as his jaw worked the treat.

Gil smiled. Blue mares aren’t known to lower quadrants. Where’re you from?

Pheneer stopped chewing and looked down at his berry stained palms. Far away, he said. And we’re never going back. 

Gils smile faded as he considered—no, no… best not to get involved. "Think Marguerite might sell Bloom? I’ve got plenty of beasts on my train. The mare will have family, your