UPDATE: The winners are…Colleen C, Pamela Reveal, Debbie Caswell, Bn100, and Cheryl!
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I won’t actually do any counting here, because that’s too much like math and, well… ew. But over the past few years, I’ve come to love the concept of anthologies.
Firstly, I get a try out new-to-me authors. Yes, this can also be accomplished by buying random books from random authors, but this tactic is a tad inefficient. And if I’ve spent hard-earned money on a whole book that turns out to be poorly written, poorly edited, or just plain unsatisfying, it’s like biting into a chocolate chip cookie only to realize it’s oatmeal raisin.
But a whole selection of authors and voices in one purchase? That’s a buffet! A smorgasbord! A feast, and I’m sure to find at least one (usually several) author whose voice I now love and can’t wait to read more of!
Secondly, short stories rock. I still love thick books with massive world-building that transports me across the universe or deep into a secret world within the world I already know and takes my mind and heart on an operatic-level journey toward an epic conclusion. A full 7-course meal with all the pomp and circumstance in presentation, complete with three different forks, two spoons, and weird clamp-type utensils for the escargot.
But there’s something to be said for peeling back everything but the most essential, impactful details and getting right to the heart of the story. Skipping all the minutia and going straight for dessert. Getting my money shot and my Happily-Ever-After and my hand-to-my-heart-deep-sigh-of-satisfaction… while waiting to pick a kiddo up from whatever practice they have today.
Lastly, there’s the price. I could achieve all of the above without buying an anthology… and spend a fortune doing it. Ooooor, I can dip my toe in the waters of an anthology for a lot less financial outlay. The greater the price of a book (or ebook), the greater my expectations. And therefore, the greater my disappointment if it’s not awesome.
Buuuuut, a quality book from a sure source that only costs 99-cents? OMG take my money and keep the change!!
And funny that I should be extolling the benefits of anthologies… because Delilah’s latest Boys Behaving Badly Anthology is going live October 12th. The Cowboys edition has everything you’d want in an anthology: great authors, rocking short stories, a can’t-pass-up-price, smokin’ hot cowboy heroes that will set your naughty bits aflame, and heroines you’ll feel in your heart because you’ve been them at some point in your life. I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s anthology, and (squee!!) have read most of the other stories… trust me, they are ah-mazing!!
GIVEAWAY
Please comment with something anthology-related (your favorite, a fun experience, why you like them, etc.), and I’ll randomly pick five winners to receive an Amazon pre-order of the upcoming Cowboys anthology.
An excerpt from “Solar Flare” in Cowboys by Ava Cuvay
Planet Crysceous, Iona Quadrant
“Dad, the Coronal Mass Ejection will reach us tomorrow. Have you hired the replacements to herd—” Solarne Vacca jerked to a halt halfway into her father’s office, her attention snagged by the three strangers standing there. Specifically, the tall drink of aqua at the front, one hip cocked and his arms crossed at his chest, far enough from the blaster strapped to his thigh to appear non-threatening.
One glance at his sharpshooter’s face was enough to know his relaxed manner was an act.
Her heart hammered in her throat. She’d seen this man on the “Wanted” holo-vids posted around this system, sporting a list of violent offenses. He was even more striking in person, lounging with all the self-assurance of a king. Nearly two meters tall, with a head of bedroom-mussed hair as dark as a starless night, eyes the color of a cloudy day, and a body built for sin. She wouldn’t be a woman if the view didn’t steal her breath and shoot heat straight to her core with laser-point accuracy. But she was also CEO in charge of her family’s sprawling crehdisth worm ranch. This was her kingdom. And this man’s visit was a threat.
He was not here for a casual social call. He was a hired gun.
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Hi Ava, I love the variety I find in anthologies. Having participated in a few reminds me of my first preaching class in seminary. The professor had everyone come up with a five minute message on the same sermon. The variety was amazing, too. I learned a wonderful lesson about diversity all those years ago. Anthologies keep teaching me the same thing.
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I love taking part in anthologies. I have done 4 with three more being worked on right now. It gives me some smaller things to do when I just need a break from writing a full novel. I also like that they often have a theme so I get a challenge to maybe write something a little different than my usual style.
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You listed reasons I like anthologies! 🙂 enjoying books from different authors, the length of the stories, etc.
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Anthologies are awesome wats to read books from Authors you love. To meet new Authors. You get to enjoy different writing techniques. You are take on journeies in different way with different characters. Plus i love to read so it gives me a way to read more books which is always a win fir me
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I love anthologies because the stories are short and I can read at anytime and because there are different authors.
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Best thing about anthologies is that it is the perfect way to find new authors
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Anna – Agreed! I love the great variety found in a topic… the many different ways the anthology authors interpreted “cowboys.”
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Robin – Yes! Writing short is a whole different set of writing “muscles” and it’s nice to try something a little out of a writer’s repertoire.
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Colleen — Great minds! Lol!
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Pamela – YES to everything you listed! <3
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Mirabello – Agreed! Reading a short story is like an easy accomplishment… and I love checking “to do” items off my list 🙂
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Debbie – Absolutely agree!! <3
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Anna – Absolutely! I love how authors can take a topic and come up with a multitude of different ways to express it!
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I’ve pre-ordered the anthology!
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can find new authors
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ButtonsMom – Yay!! Enjoy!!
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Bn – I hope you have found lots of new-to-you authors with Delilah’s anthologies!
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I used to hate anthologies because I found so many stories that tied into bigger series by authors and then I found out I would need to read a bunch of other books! So much reading, so little time! I enjoy them now because I have learned not to stress over that aspect. Plus, I have found some great authors that way.
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I love anthologiesbecause if I need a quick pick-me-up, I can read a whole story in a short time frame. Plus, as every else has said…. new authors!!
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I love anthologies for the same reason. the stories are also perfect for in between, a pick me up and doctor’s waiting ROOMS.
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Jennifer – That can definitely be a downside, and I’ve also had that same experience. But if I like the author, I’d probably buy the book anyway… and if I don’t, then no harm. 🙂
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Cheryl – Absolutely! I love the instantaneous gratification of a short story! 🙂
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Debra – Sometimes you can get TWO short stories read in the doctor’s waiting room! Lol!
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I love anthologies, Ava, for all the reasons you mentioned! My copy is already preordered!
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Flchen — Yay!! I hope you enjoy it!
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Congratulations to the winners:
Colleen C
Pamela Reveal
Debbie Caswell
Bn100
Cheryl
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Thank you!!!