Sam Knight's Blog

Although I created Knight Writing Press in 2013 ( I think) to self-publish some of my works, five years ago, a group of my friends helped me with an experiment to see if I could be a publisher. We used Draft2Digital to publish and royalty share, and I put a 5 year limit in the contract in case the whole project went south. (Why does going south mean bad or crazy, anyway? I’ll have to look that up! **edit. Some interesting thoughts here: https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/42358/origin-of-the-idiom-go-south )

That five years is up today, and the first anthology I published is now officially out of print.

Over the course of the last five years, Knight Writing Press and its imprint Enrapturing Tales have published 15 anthologies. Which means I have worked with just under 200 authors on contracts and editing. Multiply that by how many stories I didn’t accept, and I can’t really guess at the size of the slush pile I’ve read. I wish I had kept track. (Hmm… It occurs to me there is a way to find out… **edit. Nope not really. I can track around 700 of them, but a bunch of the rejections are lost to history as they weren’t really needed to be tracked. I thought i could track the emails, but they were largely deleted because they were sent to submission addresses that were sent with attachments that ate up storage space. Oh well. A lot. That’s my answer. A lot. )

I’ve also worked with a handful of editors through this endeavor, giving some a chance to learn what it’s like, some a chance to do something they wanted, and some who where helping me carry through when I felt overwhelmed.

Overwhelmed? Oh yeah. Well. In that same 5 years, I was involved in at least 15 other projects, including editing two (three? I lose track) anthologies I wasn’t the publisher of, writing two novels (one published), editing four (I think **edited to add, looking back on things, I think it was seven) novels for others and who knows how many short stories, updating my book on writing tips and writing another that was exclusive to StoryBundle. (Was! I am working on that!) A big handful of short stories of my own, and who knows what else. I lose track! Do something and move on! Have to so it don’t make me cray-cray.

But seriously, this has been an incredible experience, and I thank everyone who has been involved.

Where is Knight Writing Press going now? I’m not sure. I am in the middle of working on the second novel of a trilogy, putting together a super-secret super-cool project, writing a couple of short stories I promised elsewhere, and some major real-life stuff. So, for the moment, I have no actual plans for more anthologies.

Thanks for reading as I pat myself on the back for 5 years of publishing anthologies.

Permutations: A Well World Mosaic Novel is on sale on the Arc Manor website for $3.99!  https://www.arcmanorbooks.com/spring

While you’re at at,  the book that started the Well World series, Midnight at the Well of Souls, is (dun dun DUN!) Free!

If you are not familiar with the late Jack L Chalker’s Well World, it is an interesting concept about a super-advanced (and now gone) species that conquered all the secrets to the universe. Almost. And in trying to solve that last one, created the Well World, where 1,560 different “hexes” exist, each a different “world” with different species. When someone stumbles through a portal to the Well World, they wake up forever changed, to fit into one of those hexes.

I was extremely excited to be a part of this anthology (No! It is a mosaic novel! You’ll see!) and I hope you’ll check it out!

 

Permutations: A Well World AnthologyThe passengers and crew of the luxury starship, Euphrates, may come from different backgrounds and class levels, but what they all have in common is secrets. When their cruiser is attacked by Anti-com terrorists, the ship that comes to rescue them, however, contains a bigger secret than all of them combined. A secret that will leave them irrevocably changed physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the captain of the freighter Stehekin is both savior and devil to the people he brings aboard. He’ll be forced to drop them through a dimensional gate to a place where they’ll wake up no longer as human beings. As these lost souls adjust to their new reality, they’ll find out that, on the Well World, you adapt quickly…or die!Permutations: A Well World Anthology contains twelve NEW stories set in the universe created by the late Jack L Chalker and first introduced in the novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls. Each tale is written by an author and fan of Chalker’s groundbreaking and award-winning series spanning ten volumes. Set in a time after Midnight, these original short stories are the first to be authorized since Jack’s passing in 2005. Nine vignettes will be bookended by stories forcing these unlucky travelers to be stranded on the Well World, a place that randomly turns you into one of a thousand different alien species.Conceived by bestselling Author-Editor David Boop (who wrote the author bible, as well as the bumper stories), Boop sought out creators influenced by Chalker’s work; many who were also friends…and family! (Permutations contains a story co-authored by Jack’s daughter, Samantha Chalker!) Additionally, you’ll discover adventures by bestselling and award-winning authors such as Catherine Asaro, S.P. Somtow, Jennifer Brozek, Keith Olexa, and Marsheila Rockwell, plus a forward by the legendary Neal Asher.Table of Contents:Forward – Neal AsherIntroduction – Author-Editor David Boop1. Aboard the Freighter Stehekin2. South Polar Zone, The Well World3. Avrom – S.P. Somtow4. Wuckl – Keith Olexa5. Lamotien – Sam Knight6. Oolakash – Elektra Hammond7. Dunh’gran – Davis Ashura8. Betared – Marsheila Rockwell9. Agitar – Jennifer Brozek & @Samantha Chalker10. Alestol – Arlen Feldman11. Boidol – Catherine Asaro12. Above the Borgo Pass

Here is what I beleive will be the final cover for Into the Deep, Dark Woods. I was told they had to go back and add fireflies because of my story… <3

 

You can pre-order it directly from WordFire Press here:  https://wordfirepress.com/products/into-the-deep-dark-woods

 

Here is what their web page says:

Coming July, 2026!See what lurks in the deep, dark woods—a place of fairy tales, secrets, and monsters…

Where the unexpected looms at every turn.

Where twisted shadows meet dappled sunlight.

Where even the silence grows teeth.

Into the Deep, Dark Woods features 28 all-new stories and poems that explore the magic and mystery of the primeval wilderness. Venture from the decay of a demented pumpkin patch to worlds where dragons hide among the trees and the sycamore beckons the blue ghost fireflies. Face the strangeness of an alien planet, then dine in a themed restaurant that may or may not be staffed with werewolves.

Edited by New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson and award-winning editor Allyson Longueira, along with their Publishing graduate students at Western Colorado University, this page-turning anthology presents new stories by Sherrilyn Kenyon, Jonathan Maberry, Charles de Lint, Sebastien de Castell, and many others.

Step off the path and into a world where every tree tells a story and every clearing offers a choice. The deeper you go, the darker it gets.

The darker it gets, the more interesting the light becomes.

Welcome to the woods. Try not to get lost.

 

 

Table of contents (Taken from Kevin J. Anderson’s Facebook post)

The final list of stories and contributors for INTO THE DEEP, DARK WOODS!

The Crow That Spoke in a Voice Like Autumn—Jonathan Maberry

Carter—Charles De Lint

Dark Hunter story—Sherrilyn Kenyon

The Dreadwood Dragon—Sebastien De Castell

The Hollow—Richard Adams

Underneath the Sycamore on the Hill—Sam Knight

Whispering Grove—Emily Mosher

Still—E.D. Jones

At the Root—C.L. Fors Cherrie Lynn Fors

Fake Trees and True Intentions—Jared Nelson

Down Where the Pumpkins Don’t Rot—Bernard McGhee

Light in the Woods—Veronica Campbell

The Mask Seller—Ally Kuan

Mulch—Bret Nelson

A Wayward Traveler’s Fate—Frank Coffman [POEM]

Notice to Trespassers—Laura Hannett [POEM]

This Is the Real World—Lea Harper [POEM]

Lean In—Kerith Collins [POEM]

The Trees Bear Gifts—Michelle Tang

There’s Still Hope While One Tree Grows—Mike Strickland

The Gullah Golem—James Jensen

The Acorn—James Dodds

The Middle Path in Three—Brandon Case

The Guf Tree—Adelaide Halliday

When the World Went Quiet—Dawn Klinge

A Showbox Funeral—Julia V. Ashley

Metsubushi—Benjamin Spada

Wildflowers, Sap, and Stone—Katherine Garrison

 

 

Every year, Western Colorado University’s Publishing Graduate Program, directed by Kevin J. Anderson, puts out an anthology as part of the students’ curriculum. This one, Into the Deep, Dark Woods, will be their 7th. It was also the 7th one I have submitted a story to. It will be the 3rd time my story was accepted. I’m pretty excited about that, especially after learning there were 998 submission this time! That means the stories ought to be the cream of the crop!

And mine was included!

Woot!

Ego stroke!

Look for the anthology to come out sometime in July 2026 from WordFire Press!

 

(Taken from Kevin J. Anderson’s Facebook post)

The final list of stories and contributors for INTO THE DEEP, DARK WOODS!

The Crow That Spoke in a Voice Like Autumn—Jonathan Maberry

Carter—Charles De Lint

Dark Hunter story—Sherrilyn Kenyon

The Dreadwood Dragon—Sebastien De Castell

The Hollow—Richard Adams

Underneath the Sycamore on the Hill—Sam Knight

Whispering Grove—Emily Mosher

Still—E.D. Jones

At the Root—C.L. Fors Cherrie Lynn Fors

Fake Trees and True Intentions—Jared Nelson

Down Where the Pumpkins Don’t Rot—Bernard McGhee

Light in the Woods—Veronica Campbell

The Mask Seller—Ally Kuan

Mulch—Bret Nelson

A Wayward Traveler’s Fate—Frank Coffman [POEM]

Notice to Trespassers—Laura Hannett [POEM]

This Is the Real World—Lea Harper [POEM]

Lean In—Kerith Collins [POEM]

The Trees Bear Gifts—Michelle Tang

There’s Still Hope While One Tree Grows—Mike Strickland

The Gullah Golem—James Jensen

The Acorn—James Dodds

The Middle Path in Three—Brandon Case

The Guf Tree—Adelaide Halliday

When the World Went Quiet—Dawn Klinge

A Showbox Funeral—Julia V. Ashley

Metsubushi—Benjamin Spada

Wildflowers, Sap, and Stone—Katherine Garrison

 

I am excited to announce Filtering Out the Filter Words is a StoryBundle Exclusive!

 

Filtering Out the Filter Wordsby Sam Knight

A guide to understanding and identifying filler words, filter words, filter phrases, and conclusion words, and how they affect your writing, both positively and negatively.

You can get your bundle here:

https://storybundle.com/writing

 

More information, as written by Kevin J. Anderson:

 

The 2025 Novel Writing Tools Bundle – Curated by Kevin J. Anderson

Each year I curate a treasure chest of writing wisdom, a wide-ranging bundle of books that cover craft, business, career building, and mindset for writers at all levels of success. Now, I’ve put together another baker’s dozen of volumes that will help you move up to the next level.

To develop your basic writing craft, this bundle has Filtering out the Filter Words: Removing Debris from Your Writing, by Sam Knight, a guide to understanding and identifying filler words, filter words, filter phrases, and conclusion words, and how they affect your writing, both positively and negatively. Pacing, by Joshua Essoe—Whether you’re an experienced author or a totally new writer, Pacing will help you structure engaging stories that compose the timing, rhythm, and tension of your writing into a harmony that will hook your readers and keep them wanting more. World Building for Novices, by Jon R. Osborne: Whether you want to forge your first setting as a game master or craft a world for the novel you itch to write, this book will set you on the path of world building. Creating Character Arcs, by K.M. Weiland is a practical guide that shows writers how to harness the power of character transformation—Positive, Negative, or Flat Arcs—through story structure and psychology to create compelling, unforgettable fiction. And The Trope Thesaurus, by Jennifer Hilt, helps you navigate Tropes, the building blocks of story!

Of course, being a successful writer means you actually have to WRITE, and for that you can check out Million Dollar Productivity, by Kevin J. Anderson, where I share my tips on how to find the time to write, and how to make the most of that time.

We also showcase writing non-fiction in How to Write Nonfiction, 2nd Edition, by Joanna Penn. Go from idea to finished non-fiction book—without getting lost, and turn hard-won experience into pages that help others. Also, there’s Collaborate to Create: A Guide to Coauthoring Nonfiction, by Matty Dalrymple and Michael La Ronn, a step-by-step guide to coauthoring nonfiction, from contracts to marketing, so writers can build smarter, stronger businesses together.

To enhance your career, read Business Essentials for Writers, by James P. Nettles: How to make money in an ever-changing industry. Become a Successful Indie Author, 3rd Edition, by Craig Martelle, demystifies the tangled web of self-publishing to put you on the road to success. Million Dollar Professionalism, by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta, offers advice on working with publishers, editors, booksellers, and fellow authors, and using persistence and reliability to find continued work in the industry. And Shelf Life: A Field Guide to Long-Term Author Success by Deborah Kevin reveals how small, consistent actions can keep your book—and your author career—thriving long after launch day.

Finally, for even broader information on all aspects of being a successful writer, check out The Podcast Guest Playbook, by Matty Dalrymple and Mark Lefebvre—Unlock the secrets to captivating podcast interviews and elevate your guest game.

* * *

For StoryBundle, you decide what price you want to pay. For $5 (or more, if you’re feeling generous), you’ll get the basic bundle of three books in .epub format—WORLDWIDE.

Million Dollar Professionalism by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca MoestaCreating Character Arcs by K.M. WeilandBusiness Essentials for Writers – 3rd Edition by James P. Nettles

 

If you pay at least the bonus price of just $25, you get all three of the regular books, plus ten more books, for a total of 13!

Filtering Out the Filter Words by Sam Knight (StoryBundle Exclusive)Collaborate to Create by Matty Dalrymple and M.L. RonnThe Podcast Guest Playbook by Matty Dalrymple with Mark Leslie LefebvreMillion Dollar Productivity by Kevin J. AndersonHow to Write Non-Fiction – 2nd Ed. by Joanna PennThe Trope Thesaurus by Jennifer HiltBecome a Successful Indie Author – 3rd Edition by Craig MartelleWorld Building for Novices by Jon R. OsborneShelf Life by Deborah KevinEssoe’s Guides to Writing: Pacing by Joshua Essoe

 

This bundle is available only for a limited time via http://www.storybundle.com. It allows easy reading on computers, smartphones, and tablets as well as Kindle and other ereaders via file transfer, email, and other methods. You get a DRM-free .epub for all books!

It’s also super easy to give the gift of reading with StoryBundle, thanks to our gift cards – which allow you to send someone a code that they can redeem for any future StoryBundle bundle – and timed delivery, which allows you to control exactly when your recipient will get the gift of StoryBundle.

Why StoryBundle? Here are just a few benefits StoryBundle provides.

Get quality reads: We’ve chosen works from excellent authors to bundle together in one convenient package.Pay what you want (minimum $5): You decide how much these fantastic books are worth. If you can only spare a little, that’s fine! You’ll still get access to a batch of exceptional titles.Support authors who support DRM-free books: StoryBundle is a platform for authors to get exposure for their works, both for the titles featured in the bundle and for the rest of their catalog. Supporting authors who let you read their books on any device you want—restriction free—will show everyone there’s nothing wrong with ditching DRM.Give to worthy causes: Bundle buyers have a chance to donate a portion of their proceeds to the Challenger Center for Space Exploration!Receive extra books: If you beat the bonus price, you’ll get the bonus books!

 

StoryBundle was created to give a platform for independent authors to showcase their work, and a source of quality titles for thirsty readers. StoryBundle works with authors to create bundles of ebooks that can be purchased by readers at their desired price. Before starting StoryBundle, Founder Jason Chen covered technology and software as an editor for Gizmodo.com and Lifehacker.com.

For more information, visit our website at storybundle.com, tweet us at  @storybundle  and like us on  Facebook .

 

 

I am excited to announce that the fundraising charity anthology, Win in the End, is live!  This is a project to raise money for a fellow author and great human being, Annmarie SanSevero, who is going through some through times.I want to thank everyone who supported this project, all of the authors who donated stories, Leslie Bridgwater who did the editing, Laura Hayden who did the cover, Jessica Ritenour who has worked with Annmarie to set up a website and marketing strategy, or just tribe members who reached out with support.All of the royalties for this project are going directly to Annmarie through Draft2Digital‘s wonderful royalty sharing program, which allows me to assign all the royalties to go straight to her without getting filtered, taxed, or delayed by anyone else (except, you know, D2D and whatever retailer the book was sold at.)Please consider sharing (which I know you can’t do from this private group) and spreading the word.Here is the universal Books2Read link that will take people to (most of) the ebook retailers. It doesn’t work a well for paperbacks, but the B&N and Amazon links for that are there, too.https://books2read.com/u/4NOq2xWin in the EndA Fundraising AnthologyOnce upon a time, an inkling of writers got together to tell stories and raise funds to help one of their own. These are those stories, and all funds raised through retail outlets go directly to Annmarie SanSevero.34 tales from 34 authors. Some new. Some award winners. All inspiring. All for Annmarie.You’ve got this, Annmarie. You’re going to Win in the End.Edited by Leslie BridgwaterExecutive Editor Sam KnightStories Donated By:D.H. Aire, Debbie Maxwell Allen, H.T. Ashmead, Tiffany Brazell, Jenny Perry Carr, Brenda Carre, Jason P. Crawford, Kevin A Davis, Andy Dibble, Donald Evans, CL Fors, Jayrod P. Garrett, Jentina Grey, David Hankins, Laura Hayden, Carol Hightshoe, C.H. Hung, Sara Itka, Janessa Keeling, Sam Knight, Darren Lipman, Allan W. Mason, Rosa Meronek, Morgan J. Muir, Lehua Parker, Jena Rey, J. Anne Riten, Melissa Rolli, Leigh Saunders, L.A. Selby, Martin L. Shoemaker, Emmett Whitney, Ligia de Wit, Lissa Woodbury Jensen

Today is the day!(Kind of.)Permutations: A Well World Anthology is Live! (in e-book anyway. There seems to have been a hiccough in the paperback version. (Man, I hate that spelling of “hiccup”, don’t you?) ) the print book is available to order, arriving after Father’s Day. (Darn!) I’m anxious for it. Why? Because I’ve been waiting for literally years(!) for it to come out! You can read a little bit about that on my Substack if you’re interested: https://authorsamknight.substack.com/p/about-permutations-a-well-world-anthologyThis anthology is not just an anthology, it is…the term I was told…a mosaic novel.That’s kind of hard to explain. Well, not really. But, also, I don’t want to ruin it. It’s obvious once you know, but if you have no idea what you’re getting into, it’s pretty cool. If you’re a fan of Jack L. Chalkeror his WellWorld series, I really think you’re gonna love this.Here is a Books2Read universal link to help you find the e-book at your favorite retailer. (And I’m hoping those print copies show up soon! I will always be a page-sniffer!): https://books2read.com/u/4NngJGA little more info:Permutations: A Well World AnthologyThe passengers and crew of the luxury starship, Euphrates, may come from different backgrounds and class levels, but what they all have in common is secrets. When their cruiser is attacked by Anti-com terrorists, the ship that comes to rescue them, however, contains a bigger secret than all of them combined. A secret that will leave them irrevocably changed physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the captain of the freighter Stehekin is both savior and devil to the people he brings aboard. He’ll be forced to drop them through a dimensional gate to a place where they’ll wake up no longer as human beings. As these lost souls adjust to their new reality, they’ll find out that, on the Well World, you adapt quickly…or die!Permutations: A Well World Anthology contains twelve NEW stories set in the universe created by the late Jack L Chalker and first introduced in the novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls. Each tale is written by an author and fan of Chalker’s groundbreaking and award-winning series spanning ten volumes. Set in a time after Midnight, these original short stories are the first to be authorized since Jack’s passing in 2005. Nine vignettes will be bookended by stories forcing these unlucky travelers to be stranded on the Well World, a place that randomly turns you into one of a thousand different alien species.Conceived by bestselling Author-Editor David Boop (who wrote the author bible, as well as the bumper stories), Boop sought out creators influenced by Chalker’s work; many who were also friends…and family! (Permutations contains a story co-authored by Jack’s daughter, Samantha Chalker!) Additionally, you’ll discover adventures by bestselling and award-winning authors such as Catherine Asaro, S.P. Somtow, Jennifer Brozek, Keith Olexa, and Marsheila Rockwell, plus a forward by the legendary Neal Asher.Table of Contents:Forward – Neal AsherIntroduction – Author-Editor David Boop1. Aboard the Freighter Stehekin2. South Polar Zone, The Well World3. Avrom – S.P. Somtow4. Wuckl – Keith Olexa5. Lamotien – Sam Knight6. Oolakash – Elektra Hammond7. Dunh’gran – Davis Ashura8. Betared – Marsheila Rockwell9. Agitar – Jennifer Brozek & @Samantha Chalker10. Alestol – Arlen Feldman11. Boidol – Catherine Asaro12. Above the Borgo Pass

Son of Igor

 

This is a short story about Igor.

You know. Igor. The master’s obedient servant.

Igor is content working in secret, in the dungeon, in the filth, for the master.

Mostly.

Because no one else had ever cared for or paid attention to Igor. But when Igor finds a new friend in the sewer below the castle, things change…

 

99¢

Available in e-book only.

https://books2read.com/u/b6Be9J

 

I had a lot of fun writing this story, and I hope that shows when you read it!

 

 

https://amzn.to/3UmMAPF

 

Unhelpful Encyclopedia vol. 2: Murderbugs is out now! (Audiobook to be released sometime this summer, I am told!)

 

My story in it is “Blue is the New Gold” – When Mark discovers a giant land-dwelling isopod may hold the key to his fortune, he risks everything and ventures into the Abandoned Lands

That will be the second Abandoned Lands story to be set free. (Following “Junkyard Rex,” in the Instinct: An Animal Rescuers Anthology.)

 

But there is a swarm of great stories by great authors in here!

(I copied this from the Table of Contents. Don’t tell anyone…)Assassin Bug: “Fangs Out” by Victoria DixonBee / Wasp: “The Rise and Fall of Frankie’s Patisserie” by David HankinsBlack Widow Spider: “A Widow’s Word” by N. V. HaskellCricket: “The Tell-Tale Cricket” by Candice R. LisleDragonfly: “Who Should I Feed to the Dragonfly Tomorrow?” by Ryan A. ColeFirefly: “A Firefly’s Conscience and the Psychopath” by Tammy F. BurkeGold Bug: “Gold Bug Fever” by Shannon FoxMidge Fly: “Wings Like Broken Glass” by Ruth NicklePeacock Spider: “The White Widow” by Alicia CayPraying Mantis: “Eugene, Such a Sweet Boy” by Julia V. AshleyPillbug: “Blue is the New Gold” by Sam KnightScarab Beetle: “You Are the Mother of Doomsday” by Desmond AstaireStink Bug: “The Tomato Liberation Front” by Cat GirczycTarantula: “Daring Geni, the Amazing Arachnidian Astronaut” by K. Z. RichardsTardigrade: “As Alive as We” by Rebecca E. TreasureTermite: “Hive” by Jessica GuernseyVampire Moth: “Cheddar Hunts a Vampire (Moth)” by A. D. NewmanWar Widow Spider: “Widow’s Feast” by Casey MooresXeno Bugs – Blue Bugs: “Where the Light Ends” by Mike Wyant Jr.

Xeno Bugs – Callibrini: “Where All Memories Are One” by Leigh Saunders

 

 

Something that I think is pretty cool: I personally know most of these authors!  I have to say, that is a really, really cool point in a writing career.

 

I am excited to announce I will have a story in Permutations: A Well World Anthology!

This collection, to be released in March 2025 from Arc Manor Publishers, is the first to be authorized by Chalker’s estate since Jack’s passing in 2005, and contains twelve new stories set in the universe created by the late Jack L Chalker and first introduced in the novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls.

That novel recently had a re-release, which you can find here: https://amzn.to/3HY6meI (My Amazon Affiliate link.)

I haven’t had a chance to see the other author’s stories, but I’m really looking forward to it! David Boop, who you may have noticed did the introduction on the reissue of Midnight at the Well of Souls, wrote a “connecting” story to bring the characters from all the other stories together and into the Well World. I did get to read that, and it made me really excited to learn more about the other authors’ stories!

Here is the blurb (that I’ve seen. This far out, things always change!) and the Table of Contents (nothing there should change!). I haven’t seen any cover art yet, but I’ve heard rumours and I am very excited about that!

 

Permutations: A Well World Anthology revives Jack L. Chalker’s legendary series, bringing together exceptional talent to extend its universe. This collection, authorized by Chalker’s estate, gathers renowned authors like Neal Asher, Catherine Asaro, and S.P. Somtow, each adding their unique flair to the Well World legacy. These stories pay homage to a series that has influenced countless science fiction writers, selling millions of copies worldwide. Fans and newcomers alike will be captivated by the rich, imaginative tales that continue the journey in the Well World, a testament to Chalker’s enduring impact on the genre. This anthology isn’t just a collection; it’s a gateway to rediscovering a world that has shaped science fiction, inviting readers to explore its depths once more.

The passengers and crew of the luxury starship, Euphrates, may come from different backgrounds and class levels, but what they all have in common is secrets. When their cruiser is attacked by Anti-com terrorists, the ship that comes to rescue them, however, contains a bigger secret than all of them combined. A secret that will leave them irrevocably changed physically, mentally, and emotionally. For the captain of the freighter Stehekin is both savior and devil. He’ll be forced to drop them through a dimensional gate to a place where they’ll wake up no longer as human beings. As these cursed souls adjust to their new reality, they’ll find out quickly that, on the Well World, you adapt…or die!

Permutations: A Well World Anthology contains twelve NEW stories set in the universe created by the late Jack L Chalker and first introduced in the novel, Midnight at the Well of Souls.  Each tale is written by an author and fan of Chalker’s groundbreaking and award-winning series spanning ten volumes. Set in a time after Midnight, these original short stories are the first to be authorized since Jack’s passing in 2005. Nine vignettes will be bookended by stories setting up the situation that forces these unwitting travelers to be stranded on the Well World, a place that turns you into one of 1560 different alien species.

Conceived by best-selling editor David Boop (who wrote the author bible, as well as the bumper stories), Boop sought out creators influenced by Chalker’s work; many who were also Jack’s friends…and family! Permutations contains a story co-authored by Jack’s daughter, Samantha Chalker! Additionally, you’ll discover adventures by best-selling and award-winning authors such as Catherine Asaro, S.P. Somtow, Jennifer Brozek, Keith Olexa, and Marsheila Rockwell, plus a forward by the legendary Neal Asher.

Table of Contents
Forward – Neal Asher
Introduction – David Boop
1. Aboard the Freighter Stehekin
2. South Polar Zone, The Well World
3. Avrom – (Somtow Sucharitkul – S.P. Somtow)
4. Wuckl – Keith J Olexa
5. Lamotien – Sam Knight
6. Oolakash – Elektra Hammond
7. Dunh’gran – Davis Ashura
8. Betared – Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell
9. Agitar – Jennifer Brozek & Samantha Chalker
10. Alestol – Arlen Feldman
11. Boidol – Catherine Asaro
12. Above the Borgo Pass