Fellow SF writer N.J. Hammer offers an otherworldly tale of hope in her contribution to our winter holiday anthology, Over the River and Through the Woods.

“Because I write Science Fiction/Fantasy, I often wonder how future generations will celebrate the important holidays of our religions. Ending strife and pointing the way to a better future for another society is an excellent way to honor our traditions. This belief was the basis for “Stars of Peace.”” — N.J. Hammer

Perhaps the most bizarre of the three speculative fiction tales in the book is “Solstice.” I’ll let author Eileen Enwright Hodgetts describe it in her own words.

“”Solstice” is one of those stories that comes about by the author (me) staring into space and asking “what would happen if…?”  In this case, what would happen if a man’s fingers kept falling off?  I thought the idea would be worth exploring  for its humor but instead I found I was writing about the death of the steel industry, the treatment of the disabled, and the loss of youthful dreams; all without losing the central theme… There’s a man, and his fingers keep falling off.”              —Eileen Enwright Hodgetts

Finally, my own tale “Limited Time Offer” puts a dark twist—a la Twilight Zone/Outer Limits—on the bromidic theme of holiday romance.

“Statistically, December reigns supreme as the most popular month for engagements. Most of you probably know that, but if you don’t believe me, Google it. Seriously, I’ll wait…

However, I’m sure you’ll agree that a few thousand words about a marriage proposal alone would be dull. After all, the best stories serve up a healthy dose of conflict. I could have written about an intractable parent who attempts to prevent the engagement for their own selfish and misguided reasons. I could have gone with the ever-reliable “reappearance of the old flame” trope, forcing one of the would-be spouses to question where his or her heart truly lies. I might even have placed one of our young lovers in mortal jeopardy, prompting the other to undertake a dangerous rescue mission. Actually, that last one is the plot of a fantasy tale I wrote a few years ago.

No, I had something else in mind for Over the River and Through the Woods. Besides, I enjoy challenging myself to explore new territory with each writing project. In “Limited Time Offer,” there is no obstacle preventing my protagonist, Derek, from successfully proposing to the love of his life, Kristy. The problem arises when the world around them begins to disintegrate seconds after he slips the ring on her finger, and we soon learn the hard lesson that life itself is a limited time offer.

As a speculative fiction writer, I mainly work in the genres of science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal. I’m inspired not merely by the unexpected, but by elements strange and bizarre that knock a character’s reality off kilter, tossing them headfirst out of their comfort zone and forcing them to change in order to thrive in a new reality—regardless of how painful that process might be. I believe I achieved that with “Limited Time Offer,” but of course, that is for you, dear reader, to decide.”  —Yours Truly

Proceeds from the sale of Over the River and Through the Woods benefit the Ligoner Camp and Conference Center, home of the Mindful Writers Retreat. We thank you for your support!