Stefanie Barnfather

Elijah is hosting Thanksgiving, even though his monstrous relatives are ready to ruin the special occasion. But when a dead body is found the holiday is cancelled - and Elijah couldn't be happier. Except his family won't leave. They want to catch the killer - so Elijah has to weave a thick fabric of lies, much like the sweater knitted by his Uncle Willie.Like a handmade woollen sweater, this holiday short story makes murderous family drama feel almost comfortable.

Ben Brown wants to get rid of the hedges at his new house. A woman is taught to play pretend when she's in distress. And a young boy asks a sand dollar for closure after the death of his father. But what do these people really need? Help.These surrealist summertime short stories challenge readers assumptions about monsters - and the human forms they take.

I never wondered if Oliver loved me. The second we met, I knew we belonged together. I knew Oliver knew it, too. I saw it in his eyes.The eyes I instantly adored.​The eyes everyone else feared.​After the AI Bot war of 2099, Layla and Oliver fall in love - but their bond is tested by a handsome renegade, an ambitious family, and a covert killer who twists the truth.​​With her community connections - and attunement to trees - Layla believes her love for Oliver can grow. But, despite her certainty, something is keeping them apart. And Layla has to know what it is.

Reginald Malcolm is desperately in love with his girlfriend but she doesn't return his affection - yet. To repair the relationship, Reggie steals her away to a luxury winter resort for the weekend. When the romance turns rotten, Reggie does what any loving partner would do: he goes for a walk in the snow, after midnight, and accepts the help of three charming wood women making magic in the mountains.A flash fiction that's horrifyingly hopeless.

Heather hates the Complot - the government party that controls her country - but the Complot loves her. And every citizen in Canuckia. They love everyone so much they're throwing a special end-of-year celebration to honour their Winners; and weed out The Weak. Will Heather survive a Complot New Year? Will anyone? A flash fiction and two other tales.

A first-year student moves into a cheap housing complex, feeling lucky she's found a place she can afford - until her roommate, a ghost names Joshua, makes her pay for more than rent. Flash fiction with frights and fun: a humble horror.

This short story collection of alternate reality what-ifs explores dystopian societies where rules are ignored and questionable comedy is the only safe haven. Prophetic dreams cause comet chaos. Sin Subpoenas are served in the severed heads of predators. A wish-granting gift reveals life changing truths. With positive perspectives inciting edgy empathy, You Didn't Have To is the squeamish sequel to You Know What I Think?

Collin is clever, calm, and kind; qualities that serve him well living under an oppressive regime. But after he meets Rose - the stunning symbol of the Utopian Shroud - he decides to fight for love while fighting for his life. As Rose, Collin, and the Utopian Shroud try to stop the tyrannical rule of the Complot, Collin realizes there's more to romantically-ever-after than he thought. If he wants to hold the heart of Rose, Collin has to give up knowing the truth - because Rose's true identity must remain a secret for the Shroud to save Canuckia.

Have you ever thought, WHAT would happen IF...? Think no more - read instead. This collection of thirteen short stories speculates about futuristic realities where the rules don't apply and comedic chaos consumes. Artificially Intelligent Mowers rigidly manage a neighbourhood's lawns. Air Balloon hotties search for love between cross-currents. A teenaged Pulitzer-winner hunts monsters draped in blankets. With a hint of horror alongside plausible parodies, YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK? leaves readers with more questions than answers.