Nancy Christie Designates 12/21 as 'Celebrate Short Fiction' Day

As the number of smartphones, iPhones, Kindles and other eReaders, tablets, iPads and other portable devices soars, the public's appetite for intriguing and entertaining material to read on them is growing. This has led to a resurgence in the popularity of short stories in general, both in print and digital forms. With that in mind, author Nancy Christie, has designated December 21, 2013 as "Celebrate Short Fiction" Day to recognize the rebirth of short story reading as a highly popular form of personal entertainment.

"December 21 marks both the start of winter and the shortest day of the year," says Christie. "So why not take advantage of the long winter night to curl up with a good short story?"

As predicted by Pixel Hall Press, "the market for short stories and novellas is about to experience a renaissance. The length of a story is going to become irrelevant. All that will matter is whether it's a great story that captures the readers' interest and imagination." Whether readers choose to enjoy it on an e-reader or prefer the tactile pleasure of turning the pages, the result is the same: a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction from reading a complete, beautifully crafted story in one sitting. So, this holiday season, Ms. Christie challenges us to read a new short story and discover a new-to-you author.

INTRIGUING SHORT STORIES FROM PIXEL HALL PRESS TO BUY, GIVE & READ FOR UNDER $1 (ONE FOR FREE)

For those readers on your gift list who will be receiving e-readers, Pixel Hall Press has these suggestions for great inexpensive gifts to add to the device. The following stories are only 99 cents each. Less than a latte, and far more satisfying!

"Annabelle" by Nancy Christie. A lyrical portrait of a young woman, the daughter of a painter and his devoted model. Their obsession with the creation of art binds the family and twists the soul of a child.

"Honor" by Daniel Grotta. What is it to be honorable? In the eyes of others? In your own heart? Is it what you've done or who you are? This novella (with flashback to the Vietnam War era) explores the human cost when patriotism, personal ethics and the deep bond of friendship collide.

"Cautionary Tales for the New Millenium" by Eric Nielson, illustrated by Jay Munro. A droll, slightly jaundiced look at contemporary morés, this mini collection of very short illustrated stories reaches below the funny bone to expose insights and truths about who we are and what we are becoming.

"The Broken Bottle" by Sally Wiener Grotta. A suburban wife's perceptions of life and self-awareness are irreparably altered when she witnesses a brief but vivid moment of violence in downtown Chinatown.

"Alice in Wonderland" by Nancy Christie. When life is unbearable, where can one go to escape? For Alice, constrained by circumstances and unwanted obligations, books transport her to imagined worlds beyond her own, nourishing her spirit and her body. But what will Alice do when there are no more pages to devour and reality reclaims full dominion?

And for Free:
"Mr. Eastman's Empathy" by Daniel Grotta. A man vows to fight Death itself with the one weapon he has his empathy. (A free excerpt and complete short story from "Seven From Haven" by Daniel Grotta, a collection of gentle tales of the paranormal, reminiscent of the old Twilight Zone TV series.)

OTHER GREAT SHORT STORY SUGGESTIONS

In addition to "Seven From Haven" by Daniel Grotta (mentioned above), here are three collections of short stories (not published by Pixel Hall Press) that we've found to be highly enjoyable. All four are available in print, as well as eBooks.

"Stealing the Fire" by Jane Ciabattari. This eBook is filled with character-driven, literary gems.

"The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirtieth Annual Collection". This annual collection edited by Gardner Dozois, the best editor in SF, is curated with an eye for great writing, excellent tale-weaving and an unswerving sense of what makes a truly fine short story.

"USA Noir: Best of the Akashic Noir Series." An intelligent noir collection that is appropriately dark and brooding.

ABOUT PIXEL HALL PRESS

Pixel Hall Press is a relatively new, old-fashioned small publishing house that is quickly becoming known for discovering literary gems and great stories that might have otherwise been overlooked.

In this era of digital technology, Wall Street involvement and merger mania, mainstream publishers seem to have lost sight of the core principles and purpose of publishing. At the other end of the spectrum is an avalanche of self-published books that are notoriously uneven in quality. Small boutique imprints, such as Pixel Hall Press, are reclaiming the heart and soul of publishing by reviving the idea that a publisher's "raison d'être" is to find and nurture great writers, and to provide readers with beautiful, meaningful, truly enjoyable books.

Journalists should contact Cynthia (at) PixelHallPress.com for review copies, or to interview Nancy Christie or other Pixel Hall Press authors.