–Happy February 2025!
It’s already shaping up to be an exciting year! I’m thrilled to share some big news with you—my novel Gabriela’s Chase will be releasing this spring! Keep an eye out for my next email, where I’ll reveal the cover and provide details on how you can join the book launch team. If you’re interested in being a part of it, stay tuned, as I’ll be sending out invites soon. This month, I’m also sharing Up to Speed Book Recommendations and a FREE SHORT FICTION piece. Enjoy!
–Fiction Recommendations:
Nonfiction Recommendations:
–FREE Short Flash Fiction:LA Fire Chronicles ‘25 – Point Dume, Malibu — 2 am At the cliff point, Kimo dialed her car radio to the local news station, inserting her phone into the charger. Her hands shook from both cold and nerves. Winds reaching up to 80 mph hammered at her Fiat’s windows, and dark shadows of tree branches—like long fingers—clutched at the burnt red sky. Flames, a glowing carmine, licked out to the south. Not close enough to worry, but still… this was the second time—seven years since the Woolsey Fire had destroyed her 1950s ranch-style home. Fitz, her Maine coon, would be pacing anxiously in her newly rebuilt garage until she returned. The warm gap at the top of the wheel well would once again become his bed for the night. Home near Zuma Beach — 3:30 am Her phone’s robocall echoed: “Stand by. On Evacuation Alert.” Kimo threw her bed covers aside, shivering as she stumbled through her contemporary Asian fusion home—built after the disaster’s footprint. Even an hour of sleep had helped. “Fitz!” She kicked her half-raccoon-half-cat off the wheel well. “Stay close, buddy. I’ll find you when I get back. Let me check the cliff again.” Fitz yawned, unbothered. Kimo shook her head and gunned the engine. Point Dume, Malibu — 4 am From her bird’s-eye view, Kimo saw flames raging from Pacific Palisades toward another neighborhood, swallowing everything in its path. On the coast highway, the fire was ravaging Malibu’s celebrity homes. Kimo barely managed to close her car door as the almost tornado-speed winds howled. She returned home for the Go Bag—chargers, toothbrush, tai chi book, a few photos, extra underwear—and, of course, Fitz. Local Command Station, Zuma Beach — 6 am Three large trucks from a famous hamburger chain rolled up to a fire camp of about a thousand firefighters and recruits. Kimo, still in her Fiat, observed from the warmth of her car. “That’s a lot of muffins and eggs, huh?” She searched around in the backseat for Fitz. “Where are you, buddy?” Her hand found his head, and he yowled at her. Watching the command center mobilize, Kimo exhaled a tense breath. No evacuation call yet, but she knew the sound of it—intense and relentless. The memories of ’18 were still fresh. Even with the military-like movements of the firefighting camp nearby, she hoped she would never have to relive the trauma of those earlier days. How many more days until they would know if things were safe again? “We’re okay. For now,” she whispered, stroking Fitz, who trilled in response.
Fiction based on a slice of life from a dear Angelino friend in the LA burn zone. Let me know if you’d like more!
Stay tuned for Gabriela’s Chase this spring!
Thank you, dear reader. |
Sherilyn Faith
Author, Teacher, Speaker, Blogger
