I mentioned in a previous post that I was creating a series of novelette-length quick reads under the series name, Darklings. Four have now been uploaded to a number of platforms, currently Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Kobo and Apple so it is available on a wider basis than just KDP. This means that none of these books will be available on Kindle Unlimited but having seen a lot of authors experience difficulties with amazon on a more frequent basis, I just want to make sure that I have a variety of options if anything ever goes wrong!
The four stories have been previously published, although Asylum of Shadows was the only standalone. The remaining three are to be found in collections but I think deserve a space of their own.
Pop over here https://stephanieellis.org/darklings-quick-reads-series/ to order!
Available for pre-order, actual publication date is 1st March. So what next for this series? I am currently 3/4 of the way through a brand new story, Laugh with Jolly Jack, which I intend to publish 1st April. I think the title is most appropriate for April Fool’s Day!
Laugh with Jolly Jack
Graham inherits an ancient penny arcade from his Great Uncle Reginald. His wife, a keen antiques hobbyist, insists the machines are worth something, and so Graham sets to work repairing and refurbishing them in his garage. But strange things happen when he puts a penny in the slot and the miniature worlds of burning mansions, revolutionary France, and desolate cemeteries come to life. And beyond all this, he hears laughter – the laughter of Jolly Jack.
Background to this story: many years ago, we used to take our children to visit the Milestones Living History museum in Basingstoke. It was always a great favourite so we went on a few occasions. Inside, you’d find cobbled streets and recreated shops and transport stations which were huge fun to wander around. In addition, they had a penny arcade with a whole heap of different settings and these machines which inspired my story. Some of them were really creepy, the faces, the puppetry, it was just macabre and Jolly Jack was one which always stuck with me.
Amazingly, I’ve just found a video of that machine online, so please, come along and laugh with Jolly Jack!
Stephanie Ellis 
I love that you’re doing this Stephanie! I read your interview with Lionel Ray Green and so much of what you said resonates with me. I’m turning 50 this year and feel much of the same as you do, which is why I started my zine in 2022. I put together a chapbook for publication this year and was considering putting together a collection, but you’ve inspired me! I might just do chapbooks for everything! I hope your Darklings are a huge success!
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Thank you so much, and good luck with your chap books too! It shouldn’t feel so hard when you get older but at least these days we have the freedom to go our own way and try different paths. These will be gathered into print omnibuses at the end of the year, but I think they’re a good gateway to a writer!
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