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Voices of the Future: Stories of Myth & Memory
Discover the next generation of storytellers …
The eighth edition of Voices of the Future weaves together short stories of myth and memory in a memorable and heartwarming collection. Experience the next generation’s creativity and vision through these brief tales from rising young creatives.
The Girl Made of Pages by Megan Amor
At the Crossroads of Adventure by Karissa Chmil
Son of the Evening Star by James Noller
Captain of the Moonlight by Caleb Renich
In Melody's Memory by Ashley DeWick
Surface Avoid All Water by Kara Hatt
Summer Stones by Megan Walters
Like a Child by Nicole ElsieRose
Nibbles & Bytes by Lauren Thomae
Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers.
The Girl Made of Pages by Megan Amor
At the Crossroads of Adventure by Karissa Chmil
Son of the Evening Star by James Noller
Captain of the Moonlight by Caleb Renich
In Melody's Memory by Ashley DeWick
Surface Avoid All Water by Kara Hatt
Summer Stones by Megan Walters
Like a Child by Nicole ElsieRose
Nibbles & Bytes by Lauren Thomae
Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. 100% of your purchase goes to help students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers.
- GenresAnthologies
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2025
7 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 22, 2025
Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton
5 stars. Oh my heart, this was such a darling short story! It was so full of nostalgia and emotion and aesthetics... just so heart-tugging and summery. I absolutely loved the message about honouring the past by enjoying the little moments of joy in the present... and I identified so much to the MC in trying to soak up time with a grandparent. <3 Stunning work.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
5 stars. Oh my heart, this was such a darling short story! It was so full of nostalgia and emotion and aesthetics... just so heart-tugging and summery. I absolutely loved the message about honouring the past by enjoying the little moments of joy in the present... and I identified so much to the MC in trying to soak up time with a grandparent. <3 Stunning work.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
December 1, 2025
Without fail, for every Voices of the Future volume I read, two or three short stories really stand out to me. This volume was no exception.
The two runner-ups for my favorite include "Before Today Fades" by E.C. Colton and "Nibbles & Bytes" by Lauren Thomae. "Before Today Fades" has such beautiful prose as the author captured sweet mundane moments and revealed the beauty in our everyday living. And the message of "Nibbles & Bytes" is absolutely one I can get behind: Working 24/7 for a toxic boss is worth nothing, and a kitten is worth everything.
But my favorite story from this collection is "Son of the Evening Star" by James Noller. Very few stories, short or long, make me want to slow down and savor each sentence, but this one does. The writing style reminds me of myths and fairy tales that stand the test of time. The worldbuilding comes alive in its echoes of ancient fantasy lands that birth classics. And Charidor himself represents a modern twist to the trope of otherworldly guardians of humans: Even Stars experience self-doubt and have to brave their fear of the dark.
All in all, the stories I highlighted, plus many more in this volume, remind me what a joy it is to be alive, if we can live fully in the moment while also looking forward to better things to come.
The two runner-ups for my favorite include "Before Today Fades" by E.C. Colton and "Nibbles & Bytes" by Lauren Thomae. "Before Today Fades" has such beautiful prose as the author captured sweet mundane moments and revealed the beauty in our everyday living. And the message of "Nibbles & Bytes" is absolutely one I can get behind: Working 24/7 for a toxic boss is worth nothing, and a kitten is worth everything.
But my favorite story from this collection is "Son of the Evening Star" by James Noller. Very few stories, short or long, make me want to slow down and savor each sentence, but this one does. The writing style reminds me of myths and fairy tales that stand the test of time. The worldbuilding comes alive in its echoes of ancient fantasy lands that birth classics. And Charidor himself represents a modern twist to the trope of otherworldly guardians of humans: Even Stars experience self-doubt and have to brave their fear of the dark.
All in all, the stories I highlighted, plus many more in this volume, remind me what a joy it is to be alive, if we can live fully in the moment while also looking forward to better things to come.
Currently reading
December 2, 2025Note: In the spirit of full disclosure, I have only read E.C. Colton’s story Before Today Fades at the time of this writing. If I get the time, I will post a full review of the other stories in the anthology.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this piece are my own.
Blurb: Five years ago, Madison’s grandmother passed away, leaving her family—and especially her grandfather—reeling from the sudden loss. Ever since, Madison’s been set on being there for him, carrying his grief so he won’t have to carry it alone. A task that’s admittedly proved difficult amidst the shifting seasons of young adult life.
But with a dream career opportunity comes the first year Madison won’t be home to support her grandfather. She’s prepared for this, luckily, with a scrapbook page compiling the last happy memories her family shared before her grandmother’s cardiac arrest. A keepsake to comfort him when she can’t.
Only when everything unravels a day before the anniversary, leaving her without the necessary photos and running unplanned errands with her grandfather, Madison is torn between doing whatever it takes to salvage the old memories or choosing to create new ones.
My Thoughts
(Spoiler free… mostly)
I don’t remember when I first heard of E.C Colton. I think I initially encountered her work in an article she wrote for the Rebelution in 2023. I remember finding her email list in her author bio and signing up on a whim because I liked her writing that much. Over the past two years I’ve had a front row seat as Em wrote about the ups and downs of her experiences in the Author Conservatory and all told the experience left me wanting to read Em’s stories. Now after two years of following Em’s journey through her email list I’ve finally had the opportunity to read one of Em’s stories. I can say with confidence the experience did not disappoint. (But now I really want Em to release a full length novel.)
All that to say, I love Em’s story in this collection. Now on one level this is to be expected with anything written by a student of the Author Conservatory. If the graduates of the Author Conservatory ever cease to amaze me, one of two things has happened. One I died and somehow managed to shuffle off this mortal coil without realizing. Two, the apocalypse is finally upon us. What Em managed to pull off in such a short piece honestly amazed me. Her feat is even more impressive considering contemporary/slice of life fiction is not something I read on the regular. Em generally works in a more soulful vein than I do with her pitch for Before Today Fades, mentioning Fredrik Backman’s And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and Hiro Arikawa’s The Travelling Cat Chronicles. Now, if you have read my work I tend to write stories in a more epic/tragic register than either Backman or Arikawa. While I love the kinds of stories I write, I always welcome the chance to read a piece with a drastically different tone when the author is capable of writing it well. Em has learned well from her favorite authors and nails the soulful tone that keeps a story like this from sliding into pure melodrama.
Anyway, let’s get down to brass tacks, as I’m sure you are all wondering what makes this story so great? For starters, this is one of the more realistic portrayals of grief that I have read in a piece of this brief length. The portrayal of the brief pangs of sadness from someone remembering a distant loss is relatable. I especially liked how the grandfather was always telling stories about his wife. I know when we lost my great-grandmother, we tried to tell the stories we remembered to keep her memory alive. I don’t think any of us thought of making a scrapbook, though. Truthfully, I don’t think there is enough scrapbooking in fiction, no matter what the reason. I am a sucker for protagonists with niche hobbies. This is one of many details Em includes to make the story feel realistic and the world feel lived in. A more specific example of this would be the scene at the three-quarter mark where Madison and her grandfather make drinks for each other. This action, the accompanying banter, and the grandfather’s recollection of his wife feel like a scene that could have happened among members of my own family. (I’m curious if this interaction was based off of something that happened in Em’s own family.) Contemporary fiction for me lives and dies on the author’s ability to create relatable characters, and that is what Em does here with Madison and her grandfather.
I don’t have a lot of negatives for this piece. Structurally the length works for the type of story being told. The piece is a little more low stakes than what I’m used to reading but that is truly personal preference on my part. The only niggling quibble I have is Madison’s grandfather and mother seem oddly unconcerned about Madison leaving for a semester overseas. I had gotten the impression that Madison was a help to the two of them around the house. But aside from a missed opportunity for a little more tension I would say the story is flawless. And even then I understand in a story of this length there isn’t enough room to build on every potential plot thread. (I’m trying to maintain a pretense of objectivity here. There isn’t much wrong with this story except for a few nitpicks my writer brain found on the sentence level.)
All told I think Em is a wonderful writer and one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Author Conservatory. I would highly suggest reading her story in this volume and keeping your eyes peeled for Miss Colton’s next release. And stay tuned. When I have the time to read the rest of the volume I have every intention of reviewing the other stories.
Bio: E. C. Colton grew up searching for comfort and encouragement within fictional worlds, reminders of hope on the other side of difficult situations. Now, as the author of the novella Shards of Sky, she writes contemporary and literary fiction stories about characters who mature and grow through their challenges, sometimes with a touch of magic.
You can find her obsessing over all things blue food and cats, telling entertaining stories from everyday life, and chatting about personal growth over on her mailing list or Instagram.
Links
Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Future-...
About the Author:
https://eccolton.com/
(I would recommend subscribing to Em’s email list.)
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. When you purchase Voices of the Future Volume 8 to read Em’s story, 100% of your purchase goes to help the conservatory’s students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. AuthorConservatory.com
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this piece are my own.
Blurb: Five years ago, Madison’s grandmother passed away, leaving her family—and especially her grandfather—reeling from the sudden loss. Ever since, Madison’s been set on being there for him, carrying his grief so he won’t have to carry it alone. A task that’s admittedly proved difficult amidst the shifting seasons of young adult life.
But with a dream career opportunity comes the first year Madison won’t be home to support her grandfather. She’s prepared for this, luckily, with a scrapbook page compiling the last happy memories her family shared before her grandmother’s cardiac arrest. A keepsake to comfort him when she can’t.
Only when everything unravels a day before the anniversary, leaving her without the necessary photos and running unplanned errands with her grandfather, Madison is torn between doing whatever it takes to salvage the old memories or choosing to create new ones.
My Thoughts
(Spoiler free… mostly)
I don’t remember when I first heard of E.C Colton. I think I initially encountered her work in an article she wrote for the Rebelution in 2023. I remember finding her email list in her author bio and signing up on a whim because I liked her writing that much. Over the past two years I’ve had a front row seat as Em wrote about the ups and downs of her experiences in the Author Conservatory and all told the experience left me wanting to read Em’s stories. Now after two years of following Em’s journey through her email list I’ve finally had the opportunity to read one of Em’s stories. I can say with confidence the experience did not disappoint. (But now I really want Em to release a full length novel.)
All that to say, I love Em’s story in this collection. Now on one level this is to be expected with anything written by a student of the Author Conservatory. If the graduates of the Author Conservatory ever cease to amaze me, one of two things has happened. One I died and somehow managed to shuffle off this mortal coil without realizing. Two, the apocalypse is finally upon us. What Em managed to pull off in such a short piece honestly amazed me. Her feat is even more impressive considering contemporary/slice of life fiction is not something I read on the regular. Em generally works in a more soulful vein than I do with her pitch for Before Today Fades, mentioning Fredrik Backman’s And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and Hiro Arikawa’s The Travelling Cat Chronicles. Now, if you have read my work I tend to write stories in a more epic/tragic register than either Backman or Arikawa. While I love the kinds of stories I write, I always welcome the chance to read a piece with a drastically different tone when the author is capable of writing it well. Em has learned well from her favorite authors and nails the soulful tone that keeps a story like this from sliding into pure melodrama.
Anyway, let’s get down to brass tacks, as I’m sure you are all wondering what makes this story so great? For starters, this is one of the more realistic portrayals of grief that I have read in a piece of this brief length. The portrayal of the brief pangs of sadness from someone remembering a distant loss is relatable. I especially liked how the grandfather was always telling stories about his wife. I know when we lost my great-grandmother, we tried to tell the stories we remembered to keep her memory alive. I don’t think any of us thought of making a scrapbook, though. Truthfully, I don’t think there is enough scrapbooking in fiction, no matter what the reason. I am a sucker for protagonists with niche hobbies. This is one of many details Em includes to make the story feel realistic and the world feel lived in. A more specific example of this would be the scene at the three-quarter mark where Madison and her grandfather make drinks for each other. This action, the accompanying banter, and the grandfather’s recollection of his wife feel like a scene that could have happened among members of my own family. (I’m curious if this interaction was based off of something that happened in Em’s own family.) Contemporary fiction for me lives and dies on the author’s ability to create relatable characters, and that is what Em does here with Madison and her grandfather.
I don’t have a lot of negatives for this piece. Structurally the length works for the type of story being told. The piece is a little more low stakes than what I’m used to reading but that is truly personal preference on my part. The only niggling quibble I have is Madison’s grandfather and mother seem oddly unconcerned about Madison leaving for a semester overseas. I had gotten the impression that Madison was a help to the two of them around the house. But aside from a missed opportunity for a little more tension I would say the story is flawless. And even then I understand in a story of this length there isn’t enough room to build on every potential plot thread. (I’m trying to maintain a pretense of objectivity here. There isn’t much wrong with this story except for a few nitpicks my writer brain found on the sentence level.)
All told I think Em is a wonderful writer and one of the most promising talents to emerge from the Author Conservatory. I would highly suggest reading her story in this volume and keeping your eyes peeled for Miss Colton’s next release. And stay tuned. When I have the time to read the rest of the volume I have every intention of reviewing the other stories.
Bio: E. C. Colton grew up searching for comfort and encouragement within fictional worlds, reminders of hope on the other side of difficult situations. Now, as the author of the novella Shards of Sky, she writes contemporary and literary fiction stories about characters who mature and grow through their challenges, sometimes with a touch of magic.
You can find her obsessing over all things blue food and cats, telling entertaining stories from everyday life, and chatting about personal growth over on her mailing list or Instagram.
Links
Order Link: https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Future-...
About the Author:
https://eccolton.com/
(I would recommend subscribing to Em’s email list.)
The Author Conservatory is a college-alternative program for gifted writers focused on raising up the next C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. When you purchase Voices of the Future Volume 8 to read Em’s story, 100% of your purchase goes to help the conservatory’s students attend writing conferences where they can pitch their work to agents and publishers. AuthorConservatory.com
November 7, 2025
A beautiful collection of heart-warming and enthralling stories, Voices of the Future: Stories of Myth & Memory brings together the next generation of writers. As I was asked to review one story in particular (I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, although all opinions are my own), I will focus my review there: “Before Today Fades” by E. C. Colton. In her story, Colton bridges together the present demands with future plans, focusing on a young woman who is about to travel abroad stuck between school, family, and loss. Throughout the narrative, Madison struggles with supporting her granddad through the fifth year anniversary of the loss of his wife, swaying between preparing a present for him at the last minute and spending time with him. With relatable characters and a heartfelt moral, Colton weaves together themes of family, priorities, and what really matters to us, showcasing how the “little things” in life can actually be major—and what really count. Personally, I enjoy dramatic plots (with maybe a hint of magic), but I was surprised with how much I was on the edge of my seat reading this—I literally couldn’t put it down! It was a refreshing reminder to me how life is much more than the dramatic ups and downs, and that the every day moments can make just as exciting and captivating stories.
November 18, 2025
This beautiful collection of short stories has won my heart. I think a part of it is because nearly every story in this collection pivots around a relationship - friends, brothers, neighbors, mother-son, grandfather-granddaughter. Aside from that, these emerging authors just really know how to tell good stories.
To highlight just a few:
"At the Crossroads of Adventure" by Karissa Chmil. I've been blessed to have gotten to read a little bit of Karissa's other writing before, and her stories are... quiet, in a way, but not cold-quiet. They're bright and warm and soulful, like gathering around a bonfire in a forest. This story struck me the same way. First of all - the big brother-little brother relationship??? I loved it too much. And Terrence - he was precious. He seemed like a little boy I might know somewhere. And his wrestlings with what does it mean to be a hero, and his love for his mother... and the setting! The setting puts a new twist on the familiar fantasy setting which has become so homely for many.
Another story that stood out to me was In Melody's Memory by Ashley DeWick. This was a soft and quiet, and somehow it swells to the brim with summer-ness. Zach is struggling with some deeply painful things, but the story is not a heavy story. It is a beautiful story. A story of remembering a loved one, and honoring her, and delighting in the things she delighted in - and most of all, learning to love the people she had shown love to.
And then... Summer Stones by Megan Walters. My favorite thing in stories is character dynamics, apparently - and in this story those dynamics were so delightful! I love Lizzie, and I love Otto, and their growing friendship was the best part of the story.
Oh. And Nibbles and Bytes by Lauren Thomae. This story felt very real and very precious, and Betty and Ed... they're the best. The theme is one we all need to hear in this bustling age, and the way Lauren showed the colors coming back into Carson's life through being with Ed and Betty (and Nibble, of course) was very well done.
This was very rambly, but suffice to say that I absolutely loved this book. The stories were all so delightful and beautiful, and as I went back through the book after finishing it to see which stories to highlight, I kept finding more and more I wanted to talk about. This is one of my favorites of the Voices of the Future volumes I've read so far, and I'm so excited for all of these budding authors as they head out into the writing world. We're going to be flooded with some pretty amazing books in the next few years.
To highlight just a few:
"At the Crossroads of Adventure" by Karissa Chmil. I've been blessed to have gotten to read a little bit of Karissa's other writing before, and her stories are... quiet, in a way, but not cold-quiet. They're bright and warm and soulful, like gathering around a bonfire in a forest. This story struck me the same way. First of all - the big brother-little brother relationship??? I loved it too much. And Terrence - he was precious. He seemed like a little boy I might know somewhere. And his wrestlings with what does it mean to be a hero, and his love for his mother... and the setting! The setting puts a new twist on the familiar fantasy setting which has become so homely for many.
Another story that stood out to me was In Melody's Memory by Ashley DeWick. This was a soft and quiet, and somehow it swells to the brim with summer-ness. Zach is struggling with some deeply painful things, but the story is not a heavy story. It is a beautiful story. A story of remembering a loved one, and honoring her, and delighting in the things she delighted in - and most of all, learning to love the people she had shown love to.
And then... Summer Stones by Megan Walters. My favorite thing in stories is character dynamics, apparently - and in this story those dynamics were so delightful! I love Lizzie, and I love Otto, and their growing friendship was the best part of the story.
Oh. And Nibbles and Bytes by Lauren Thomae. This story felt very real and very precious, and Betty and Ed... they're the best. The theme is one we all need to hear in this bustling age, and the way Lauren showed the colors coming back into Carson's life through being with Ed and Betty (and Nibble, of course) was very well done.
This was very rambly, but suffice to say that I absolutely loved this book. The stories were all so delightful and beautiful, and as I went back through the book after finishing it to see which stories to highlight, I kept finding more and more I wanted to talk about. This is one of my favorites of the Voices of the Future volumes I've read so far, and I'm so excited for all of these budding authors as they head out into the writing world. We're going to be flooded with some pretty amazing books in the next few years.
December 2, 2025
Someone here said “less is more” and with these stories I 100% agree! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Before Today Fades stood out in this collection as a quiet yet meaningful glimpse into a life that felt undeniably real. The beauty of the prose, the slow relationship between granddaughter and grandfather, and the pull between living in the past or the present were woven expertly through the pages. I’m glad I curled up with a cup of tea and looked into the life of Madison and the family she desperately loves. If you read it, I recommend barley tea or something else subtle that takes time to appreciate 🍵
Overall, this is a fantastic literary work, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
*I received a free copy from the author for this review*
Before Today Fades stood out in this collection as a quiet yet meaningful glimpse into a life that felt undeniably real. The beauty of the prose, the slow relationship between granddaughter and grandfather, and the pull between living in the past or the present were woven expertly through the pages. I’m glad I curled up with a cup of tea and looked into the life of Madison and the family she desperately loves. If you read it, I recommend barley tea or something else subtle that takes time to appreciate 🍵
Overall, this is a fantastic literary work, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
*I received a free copy from the author for this review*
December 2, 2025
At the Crossroads of Adventure | Karissa Chmil
This story was magical--warm and sweet, like tea on a cold night, with a message that is so simple yet so powerful. The tale of a young boy discovering what 'hero' really means shows the beauty of quiet heroism, and of the little things that truly matter: Raspberries, sunlight, and hugs from your brother, for instance.
Epic battles and dramatic victories have their place in the world of stories, but we also need tales like this one: stories that brighten hearts, kindle adventures and spread a love of what is good and true.
'At the Crossroads of Adventure' is something I would read with my family and friends--or by myself. It's a story for all times and all places. I would recommend to anyone looking for a good family read or a wholesome and heartwarming fantasy.
(I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher--a positive review was not required, and all opinions are mine.)
This story was magical--warm and sweet, like tea on a cold night, with a message that is so simple yet so powerful. The tale of a young boy discovering what 'hero' really means shows the beauty of quiet heroism, and of the little things that truly matter: Raspberries, sunlight, and hugs from your brother, for instance.
Epic battles and dramatic victories have their place in the world of stories, but we also need tales like this one: stories that brighten hearts, kindle adventures and spread a love of what is good and true.
'At the Crossroads of Adventure' is something I would read with my family and friends--or by myself. It's a story for all times and all places. I would recommend to anyone looking for a good family read or a wholesome and heartwarming fantasy.
(I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher--a positive review was not required, and all opinions are mine.)
November 30, 2025
I’ve read part of this amazing book and can’t wait to read the rest! I highly recommend it!!
December 14, 2025
Like...basically everyone reviewing this book, I am friends with one of the contributors, which is why I'm here, but I do also like to read and promote indie projects, and this one has merit. I did have access to a free digital copy for promotional purposes, but was not asked to do anything in particular with it unless I wanted to, and I am buying a physical copy because I liked what I read.
I don't read a lot of middle grade fiction, but found this collection easy to read without sacrificing creativity or polish. The pacing is good, descriptions are vivid, characters are solid and distinct. In Melody's Memory, Nibbles and Bytes, Like a Child and Before Today Fades all turn on the character relationships and pull them off well. In Melody's Memory, Summer Stones, the Girl Made of Pages and Surface Protocol each have solid vibes to carry you through--Summer Stones and Melody's Memory are cozy, the other two intense without being overwhelming. I gravitate towards adventure stories, so I enjoyed Son of the Evening Star and Captain of the Moonlight most, but found all of the stories compelling...except for one. At the Crossroads of Adventure has a strange anti-coming-of-age element that contrasts sharply with most of the other stories in this book. Surface Protocol: Avoid All Water, Captain of the Moonlight and Son of the Evening Star all take boys or young men, put them in hard situations, and force them to overcome, all in slightly different ways. In Crossroads, the male lead enters the masculine world of blacksmithing, overextends himself, gives up and goes back to his Mommy. He copes by telling himself that it's heroic to do a task he was already capable of doing. Other than that, I found the lead in Surface Protocol a little too...emotional? His outbursts and open fear made him seem very childish for the situation he was being put into, which makes the adults more suspect for forcing him into it. I also have a nagging thought that if you search-and-replaced all of the references to dragons and fairies in In Melody's Memory with "neighbor" and "hummingbird" the story would stay basically the same, minus cozy fantasy vibes.
Aside from that, there are some oddities about the way the Author Conservancy program works which make me uneasy, like the fact that the authors are not paid for their stories, but get a commission for selling physical copies of the book, but it's not exactly a publisher anyway. There are apparently other benefits the writers get for this connection on top of the writing course itself. I don't know how good these authors were before the program, but they've all done a solid job here and I wish them success.
I don't read a lot of middle grade fiction, but found this collection easy to read without sacrificing creativity or polish. The pacing is good, descriptions are vivid, characters are solid and distinct. In Melody's Memory, Nibbles and Bytes, Like a Child and Before Today Fades all turn on the character relationships and pull them off well. In Melody's Memory, Summer Stones, the Girl Made of Pages and Surface Protocol each have solid vibes to carry you through--Summer Stones and Melody's Memory are cozy, the other two intense without being overwhelming. I gravitate towards adventure stories, so I enjoyed Son of the Evening Star and Captain of the Moonlight most, but found all of the stories compelling...except for one. At the Crossroads of Adventure has a strange anti-coming-of-age element that contrasts sharply with most of the other stories in this book. Surface Protocol: Avoid All Water, Captain of the Moonlight and Son of the Evening Star all take boys or young men, put them in hard situations, and force them to overcome, all in slightly different ways. In Crossroads, the male lead enters the masculine world of blacksmithing, overextends himself, gives up and goes back to his Mommy. He copes by telling himself that it's heroic to do a task he was already capable of doing. Other than that, I found the lead in Surface Protocol a little too...emotional? His outbursts and open fear made him seem very childish for the situation he was being put into, which makes the adults more suspect for forcing him into it. I also have a nagging thought that if you search-and-replaced all of the references to dragons and fairies in In Melody's Memory with "neighbor" and "hummingbird" the story would stay basically the same, minus cozy fantasy vibes.
Aside from that, there are some oddities about the way the Author Conservancy program works which make me uneasy, like the fact that the authors are not paid for their stories, but get a commission for selling physical copies of the book, but it's not exactly a publisher anyway. There are apparently other benefits the writers get for this connection on top of the writing course itself. I don't know how good these authors were before the program, but they've all done a solid job here and I wish them success.
December 4, 2025
Absolutely incredible!! This is one of my favorite collections of short stories; each story brought its own feeling and beauty, but "Before Today Fades" by E.C. Colton absolutely wowed me. Colton’s poignant depiction of life after loss shows how easy it is to hold on so tightly to the people we miss that we stop really living. She captures that raw, familiar urge to cling to memories in a way that feels honest and relatable. At one point, she writes, “Maybe all we were doing today was making little memories, ones that'll fade into insignificance someday, at least without some kind of reminder,” and it perfectly sums up the beauty of enjoying each moment despite the quiet fear of forgetting the moments that matter.
The story holds onto the warmth of the time we shared with loved ones and reminds us how those memories can carry us forward, even when everything has changed. She also portrays the guilt of moving on in a way that really connects, showing a real understanding of a tough subject. The push-and-pull between the excitement of something new and the fear of leaving parts of your old life behind is especially well done. It’s a gentle, thoughtful look at what it means to keep going while still honoring the past. It genuinely became one of my favorite reads this year.
Although I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own, and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a quick yet thoughtful read. I absolutely adored this collection!
The story holds onto the warmth of the time we shared with loved ones and reminds us how those memories can carry us forward, even when everything has changed. She also portrays the guilt of moving on in a way that really connects, showing a real understanding of a tough subject. The push-and-pull between the excitement of something new and the fear of leaving parts of your old life behind is especially well done. It’s a gentle, thoughtful look at what it means to keep going while still honoring the past. It genuinely became one of my favorite reads this year.
Although I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own, and I absolutely recommend it to anyone who wants a quick yet thoughtful read. I absolutely adored this collection!
December 4, 2025
A review of Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton
As you could guess from the title, this short story is literary fiction. Lit fic's power is in prose and it's value in reflection and insight on some facet of human nature.
Before Today Fades addresses grief and memory, following college grad Madison's last day home with her family before she leaves for an internship overseas. The fifth anniversary of her grandma's death is approaching, and Madison is hoping to honor her and her granddad's grandparenthood by organizing a scrapbook. Madison is conflicted as tries to balance time with her granddad while creating a proper final page.
The author, through prose, pays attention to little details and freezes their image with lyrical writing. I mean, this story is full of quotable lines that roll of the tongue and touch the heart. These little details develop an atmosphere that sets the conclusion up perfectly, teaching readers what it means to treasure memories while valuing the present moment - which, suitably, creates more memories.
I like this story a lot! Might have to read the rest of the collection too when I have a free moment.
Note: I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
As you could guess from the title, this short story is literary fiction. Lit fic's power is in prose and it's value in reflection and insight on some facet of human nature.
Before Today Fades addresses grief and memory, following college grad Madison's last day home with her family before she leaves for an internship overseas. The fifth anniversary of her grandma's death is approaching, and Madison is hoping to honor her and her granddad's grandparenthood by organizing a scrapbook. Madison is conflicted as tries to balance time with her granddad while creating a proper final page.
The author, through prose, pays attention to little details and freezes their image with lyrical writing. I mean, this story is full of quotable lines that roll of the tongue and touch the heart. These little details develop an atmosphere that sets the conclusion up perfectly, teaching readers what it means to treasure memories while valuing the present moment - which, suitably, creates more memories.
I like this story a lot! Might have to read the rest of the collection too when I have a free moment.
Note: I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
December 2, 2025
Lovely, meaningful stories. The "less is more" approach of this collection really is so effective—these stories are accessible but also unique and rich.
Pulling some of my favorites for this review:
The Girl Made of Paper by Megan Amor - Winsome and creative, with a lovable MC and delightful friendship dynamics. Kids of all ages (and those who are kids at heart) will love this one. I would also love to see it as an animated short—the descriptions are so vivid.
At the Crossroads of Adventure by Karissa Chmil - Told by a charming and relatable child narrator, this one reminded me so much of reading classic middle grade. And Chmil packs a surprising amount of thematic weight into a very simple dilemma of "what to get mom for her birthday". So well done.
Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton - From the specific character details to the vocabulary, every piece of this story feels chosen with intention. The characters feel like real people you could actually get to know, with quirks, dreams, and backstories. Which was so cool to see in a short format.
So glad I got to read an advance copy, and cheering for these authors!
Pulling some of my favorites for this review:
The Girl Made of Paper by Megan Amor - Winsome and creative, with a lovable MC and delightful friendship dynamics. Kids of all ages (and those who are kids at heart) will love this one. I would also love to see it as an animated short—the descriptions are so vivid.
At the Crossroads of Adventure by Karissa Chmil - Told by a charming and relatable child narrator, this one reminded me so much of reading classic middle grade. And Chmil packs a surprising amount of thematic weight into a very simple dilemma of "what to get mom for her birthday". So well done.
Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton - From the specific character details to the vocabulary, every piece of this story feels chosen with intention. The characters feel like real people you could actually get to know, with quirks, dreams, and backstories. Which was so cool to see in a short format.
So glad I got to read an advance copy, and cheering for these authors!
November 29, 2025
Before Today Fades by E.C. Colton
Colton’s prose is poetic, relatable, and deeply moving. I adored how she created such a vivid atmosphere in this short, simple story, where you can still feel all the emotions of the characters—whether it be grief, nostalgia, or hope. It's really a talent to explore deep themes like these so thoughtfully and beautifully in such a brief amount of words! I would recommend this short story for readers who enjoy heartfelt contemporary stories with lyrical prose and touching, relatable themes.
A couple of lines that I particularly loved:
“It occurs to me that perhaps I’ve always gravitated toward the weight of old things, the sacred sense surrounding them.” (I feel this sooooo deeply)
“If there’s a point where you stop seeing the person you lost around every turn, I haven’t reached it yet. I’m unsure if I ever will.” (okay, come on, now I’m crying)
(I received an ARC copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Colton’s prose is poetic, relatable, and deeply moving. I adored how she created such a vivid atmosphere in this short, simple story, where you can still feel all the emotions of the characters—whether it be grief, nostalgia, or hope. It's really a talent to explore deep themes like these so thoughtfully and beautifully in such a brief amount of words! I would recommend this short story for readers who enjoy heartfelt contemporary stories with lyrical prose and touching, relatable themes.
A couple of lines that I particularly loved:
“It occurs to me that perhaps I’ve always gravitated toward the weight of old things, the sacred sense surrounding them.” (I feel this sooooo deeply)
“If there’s a point where you stop seeing the person you lost around every turn, I haven’t reached it yet. I’m unsure if I ever will.” (okay, come on, now I’m crying)
(I received an ARC copy of this anthology in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
December 2, 2025
Disclaimer - so far, I've only read Before Today Fades by E.C Colton, but it was such a beautiful story I just had to share.
The story follows Madison as she tries to complete a scrapbook for her grandfather on the 5th anniversary of her grandmother's passing. In classic E.C. Colton style, it's a tale of finding joy in the most ordinary moments and treasuring them for all they're worth. It perfectly encapsulates the simple pleasure of just living your life in the company of those you love most. For much of the story, Madison is distracted by her commitment to create the scrapbook to honour her grandmother's memory, but I'm so glad she found a way to commemorate her grandmother by living a full and joyful life. Such a special story. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story follows Madison as she tries to complete a scrapbook for her grandfather on the 5th anniversary of her grandmother's passing. In classic E.C. Colton style, it's a tale of finding joy in the most ordinary moments and treasuring them for all they're worth. It perfectly encapsulates the simple pleasure of just living your life in the company of those you love most. For much of the story, Madison is distracted by her commitment to create the scrapbook to honour her grandmother's memory, but I'm so glad she found a way to commemorate her grandmother by living a full and joyful life. Such a special story. Highly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 2, 2025
At the Crossroads of Adventure ~~~
This short story is full of heart and made me smile on every page. From the very beginning, Karissa gracefully slips into a child's shoes, making the simple yet deep questions of life an adventure full of wonder and real joy (and dragons and raspberries). I loved the relationship between the brothers Cayden and Terrence - it was very genuine and sweet, and made my brother’s eyes light up as I read it aloud. Childlike honesty, humor, and hope are gently woven throughout, much like Terrence’s crown of wildflowers. It’s an invitation to cherish what is beautiful and full of light, and a celebration of the value of small things done with loving hands. It certainly was a beautiful gift for my family! I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this anthology.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are completely my own.)
This short story is full of heart and made me smile on every page. From the very beginning, Karissa gracefully slips into a child's shoes, making the simple yet deep questions of life an adventure full of wonder and real joy (and dragons and raspberries). I loved the relationship between the brothers Cayden and Terrence - it was very genuine and sweet, and made my brother’s eyes light up as I read it aloud. Childlike honesty, humor, and hope are gently woven throughout, much like Terrence’s crown of wildflowers. It’s an invitation to cherish what is beautiful and full of light, and a celebration of the value of small things done with loving hands. It certainly was a beautiful gift for my family! I can't wait to read the rest of the stories in this anthology.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions expressed are completely my own.)
December 2, 2025
I enjoyed E.C. Colton’s short-story, “Before Today Fades.” Her work is descriptive, interwoven with care and meticulous thought. It is beautiful representation of how reminiscence and familial love merge to motivate small, gestures. I believe the author’s message is for readers to cherish loved ones, remember the little things, and support family despite commitments and unexpected diversity. Based on this work alone, I can confidently say she is a bright, talented writer. I cannot wait to read more of her future releases. (I received a complimentary copy from E.C. Colton in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)
November 24, 2025
Before Today Fades by E. C. Colton
This story is just SO sweet! E. C. Colton did a fantastic job at weaving this story together. Her prose was absolutely stunning, and the characters were so heartfelt. She captured the feelings of loss and grief and goodbyes in a way that's relatable, bittersweet, and heartwarming all at the same time.
I highly recommend for lovers of contemporary, or anyone who enjoys nostalgia and loveable characters. 5 stars for sure!
(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. )
This story is just SO sweet! E. C. Colton did a fantastic job at weaving this story together. Her prose was absolutely stunning, and the characters were so heartfelt. She captured the feelings of loss and grief and goodbyes in a way that's relatable, bittersweet, and heartwarming all at the same time.
I highly recommend for lovers of contemporary, or anyone who enjoys nostalgia and loveable characters. 5 stars for sure!
(I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. )
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