Fairest Fowl was one of the first short stories I wrote that was picked up for publication, and is a favorite of mine to this day.  Fairest Fowl was a finalist in SQ Mag's 2012 Story Quest Short Story Contest and was included in SQ Mag Edition 8, which highlighted women in speculative fiction.  Needless to say, I was honored to have my story included in such a special edition of their e-zine.

So what's it about?  Well, here's the lead in SQ Mag included when they published the story:

When you offend the gods and snub tradition, things can go badly wrong, and they can occur in the most unlikely places and circumstances.

Alright, so that doesn't tell you a lot.  It's about a chicken of all things.  A pretty badass chicken really - one I borrowed from Japanese mythology because it was just too good to pass up.  Anyone who knows me knows I love animals, and anyone who's read my novels and short stories knows most of them incorporate animals in one form or another into the story.  Some are friend, some are foe, some are big, scary monsters, others brave companions doing their best to keep our hero out of trouble.  And the chicken in Fairest Fowl?  Which category does that fall in: friend, foe, nice guy or monster?  Well, check out the story on SQ Mag's site and you'll find out.  Enjoy, and if you like the story, please leave a comment on my blog.

Ok, so technically it’s not summer yet, but I went on vacation to a place with sun and sand so that makes it summer vacation in my book.  And where did I go?  BAHAMAS!  And not just the Bahamas – Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas!  Before I start rambling on about this place and how AWESOMELY FUN it was, go here and check it out for yourself: www.atlantis.com

My husband (George) and I knew we wanted to go someplace tropical for vacation (it was a very cold, very snowy winter) and the Bahamas was an obvious choice for several reasons.  First off, it’s just a 2.5 hour flight from Baltimore, so it’s ridiculously convenient to get to.  Second, it’s beautiful, truly beautiful, with some of the friendliest people you will find on this planet.  So, why Atlantis?  Well, George and I aren't really into the whole lay around on the beach like a turkey basting for Thanksgiving dinner.  We love being outside, but like to be a bit more…active.  That's why we chose Atlantis.  It’s got active in spades.  

Let’s start with the water park – one of the primary reasons we picked Atlantis over the many other resorts in the Bahamas.  Atlantis has the best water park I've ever been to.  Hands down.  We were there for four and a half days and went to the water park every one.  And never got tired of it.  When we did take a break, it was to wander around the resort and peer in amazement at the marine habitats woven into the grounds.  Habitats that are larger and far more elaborate than what many aquariums have to offer.  Sharks, rays, turtles, hundreds of species of fish, plus jellies, seastars, you name it, Atlantis has it, and all laid out in a beautiful, wandering locale of paths and pools and viewing areas.

Want a beach? They've got that too. We spent a few hours there snorkeling and collecting seashells, enjoying the sunrise or the sunset, or just wandering idly because we could. But mostly we went to the waterpark.  Over.  And over.  And over.  Oh, the resort has other attractions: amazing (if a bit spendy) food, nightclubs, a casino, island tours, sunset cruises, all the typical island activities could be arranged through the resort if you want to do that kind of thing.  But George and i just wanted the fish and the waterpark.  So, that's what we did.  That and walk around. A lot. See, there's just a lot to look at while you're there.  From the amazing architecture and decorations, to the luxury mega yachts in the harbor, you just never get tired of looking around, exploring, checking out what's down is path and around the next corner. 

So, the big question, the one everyone always asks me after I go away on vacation: Would we go back? Hell yeah.  In a heartbeat.  This time I might take a dive trip.  Or a sunset cruise.  But mostly I’m gonna hit that water park again.  ‘Cause I’m, still not tired of it.