In mid-September, I sent my short story “The Red Couch” to Grant Hudson, owner of Clarendon House Publications for publication consideration into a literary fiction anthology.
I am pleased to announce my story has been accepted for inclusion in MAELSTROM: The Inner Circle Writers’ Group Literary Anthology 2019.
The book is due to be published later this month so stay tuned! I’m so excited!
Here is an excerpt:
The Red Couch by J. H. O’Rourke
I remember, as if it were yesterday, the first time I stepped into The Factory. It was the moment my life changed forever, the instant my fate was sealed.
The spacious studio was dark and magical, adorned from ceiling to floor in shimmering silver. It felt as though I had been transported to another world, another universe.
The room exuded energy, as if an electrical current emanated from the walls themselves. The effect was hypnotic. It took a moment to realize the place was crowded, the faces of those around me bathed in shadow, masking their features. An operatic crescendo of voices embraced me as I gazed around the room, taking it all in.
A wave of dizziness overcame me as my heartbeat insisted on matching the frenzied beat of the music. I stumbled.
“Sit,” urged a low voice, “right here beside me. I haven’t seen you here before.”
I turned, instinctively knowing he was speaking to me.
The man smiled at me from a bright red couch, the only colorful piece of furniture in the vast space and strategically placed in the center of the room, as though it were a monument.
His eyes stared into mine; goosebumps prickled the skin on the back of my neck. His powerful, seductive presence took my breath away.
“I’m Andy. Welcome.” He reached for my hand and pulled me down beside him.
An undeniable thought raptured my mind.
I’m home.
