Here’s
another inside scoop on a newly-released-as-a-single short story (or VERY short
story as some would say). The word count is almost 3,800 words, and Amazon
estimates the book length to be eighteen pages. It sells for 99 cents.
As
with all of my *very* short stories, I’d like to reduce the amount, however 99
cents is the lowest I’m allowed to go on Amazon and Smashwords. [Shrugging
shoulders here] Again, periodically Smashwords holds a sale, and I can set the
price to free at that time, so do check on the link every now and then. For
example, during this month of July, “Carla’s One-Sided Crush” is a free
download.
Anyway,
back to the scoop. “Zeus And The Single Teacher” first started its run as a
contemporary fantasy tale under the name “Happily Ever After”. The reason I
chose that title was that a call was put out to authors by an online publisher,
OnceUponATimeOnline.com, for quality short stories. I answered the call and
then figured the phrase Once Upon A Time seems to be “married” to Happily Ever
After!
The
editors loved my story but not the title. Too generic, they said. So I then
changed it to reflect the main character, Rowena Arthur--a teacher looking for
love--and Zeus, or rather Mr. Zeuch--the mysterious school administrator.
You
might surmise that mythology--Greek and Roman--play a part in this short story.
If so, you’d be right! Some of the characters you’ll read about are Venus,
Minerva (Minnie), and Mr. Owen Machus (Telemachus).
The
future of “Zeus And The Single Teacher” seemed secure, only, unfortunately,
OnceUponATime went out of business. That happens A LOT in the publishing
industry. So I dusted off the story, and included it in my anthology LUCKY 13,
now no longer available electronically, but still available in print from my
website.
Thirteen delightful stories for your reading pleasure
by Susanne Marie Knight
And
now I have re-released it electronically as a single!
A hunky new instructor, a magic pencil, and two
out-of-the-ordinary adolescent girls create an odyssey of love for a lonely
teacher.
Amazon.com
and Smashwords
This short story is part of
the prestigious Magical Fantasies line.
As
you’ll read in the passage below, The Odyssey plays an important role in
this short story. Rosy-fingered rays of the sun, suitors, and Mr. Machus owe
their origins to the Greek classic. I loved reading The Odyssey in
school and never forgot about the dawn rising rosy fingered!
Scene
set-up: On the new gym teacher’s first day, he’s scheduled for lunch duty as is
Rowena.
When lunchtime rolled around, Rowena walked outside
in the school courtyards, and lifted her face to enjoy warm rosy-fingered rays
of the beautiful springtime sun. A friendly chat with this student, a mild
reprimand to another--it was the kind of lazy afternoon that stretched the
sands of time. The kids were busy with various activities: some students
grouped together to gossip, but most played games involving some type of ball.
Which included Owen Machus, who refereed a makeshift basketball practice.
She watched them play for a moment. He was good with
the kids. She could tell he was a teacher who really cared about each one of
the players.
Evidently, word of the handsome P.E. jock had spread
throughout the school, for a crowd of would-be cheerleaders clustered close to
him. Maybe too close for his personal comfort.
Like these students, Rowena also hoped he would glance
her way and stop to talk. But there was no dissuading him from the game and the
bouncing basketball. Or perhaps he felt uneasy surrounded by female suitors, as
it were.
So that’s the story on this Flash Fiction (really
short stories!) tale. I hope you enjoy Rowena and Owen’s story.
Happy reading,
Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing
With A Twist!
