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Work In Progress: An In The Cards Short Story
Welcome to In The Cards, a multi author collection of standalone thriller and horror short stories. In this series, you’ll find stories inspired by the meaning of a specific Tarot Card, thoughtfully written with that thread woven through. Whether you’re a Tarot Card lover or not, you’ll find thrillers and horrors that will creep under your skin and into your thoughts. *Knowledge of Tarot Cards is not necessary to read or enjoy these stories.*
Rashida is sick of being the has-been. Art was her life, and since her fall from popularity, everything has been beige.
One afternoon walk through her neighborhood brings inspiration in the form of a dying garden. Maybe bringing it to life in a painting will bring her back to life too.
How far will she go to get back in the spotlight? Where does the line between creativity and madness blur?
Make sure you come back and check out the other stories, because you never know what’s In The Cards.
Rashida is sick of being the has-been. Art was her life, and since her fall from popularity, everything has been beige.
One afternoon walk through her neighborhood brings inspiration in the form of a dying garden. Maybe bringing it to life in a painting will bring her back to life too.
How far will she go to get back in the spotlight? Where does the line between creativity and madness blur?
Make sure you come back and check out the other stories, because you never know what’s In The Cards.
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 8, 2026
About the author
Erica Damon
26 books61 followersErica Damon is a writer, equestrian, and artist living in Western Massachusetts. Her compulsively creative nature has led to a collection of ‘what ifs?’ and that sense of wonder weaves its way into her fiction. She writes thriller and horror under her name, and equestrian romance under the pen name, Isla Ryder.
In any genre, her goal is to sweep the reader into her world, keeping it grounded enough in reality that the reader doesn’t question a moment of the action.
This is what she loves helping other authors with, as she has discovered that she enjoys reading books in the early stages even more than published ones and helping writers to spin their stories into something riveting as a developmental editor. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while ideas swirl in the background.
In any genre, her goal is to sweep the reader into her world, keeping it grounded enough in reality that the reader doesn’t question a moment of the action.
This is what she loves helping other authors with, as she has discovered that she enjoys reading books in the early stages even more than published ones and helping writers to spin their stories into something riveting as a developmental editor. If she’s not writing, she’s likely out riding horses while ideas swirl in the background.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 8, 2026
“A Work In Progress” by Erica Damon is a fantastic addition to the In The Cards series. Woah! What a twisted story. This quick read grabbed me from the very first page and refused to let go.
This story took me on a dark and unsettling journey as it explored the thin line between creativity and madness.
It’s intense, gripping, and impossible to put down, this one packed a lot of punch into a short story. I absolutely loved it!
This story took me on a dark and unsettling journey as it explored the thin line between creativity and madness.
It’s intense, gripping, and impossible to put down, this one packed a lot of punch into a short story. I absolutely loved it!
June 14, 2026
Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Work in Progress by Erica Damon
An in the Cards story
Published June 8, 2026
What can I say? I loved it.
It’s short, but don’t let the page count fool you. Some stories need 400 pages to get under your skin. This one basically walked in, made itself comfortable, and started redecorating my brain.
Very quickly I felt like I was trapped inside an artist’s mind, watching inspiration take shape in real time. It wasn’t loud or overdramatic. It crept up on me instead, like someone quietly stepping behind you and resting their hands on your shoulders before you realize you’re not alone. Uncomfortable? Absolutely. Effective? Even more so.
The entire time I desperately wanted to see the finished artwork. At the same time, I also wished the inspiration behind it had come from literally anything else. That’s the beauty of this story—it makes you curious while making you question whether curiosity is actually a survival skill.
So why 4.5 stars instead of 5? Simply because some stories crawl under my skin a bit more than this one did.
If you’re collecting the An in the Cards stories, don’t skip this one. It’s dark, clever, unsettling, and quietly addictive. It doesn’t scream for your attention—it patiently waits until you’re looking the other way and then wraps itself around your thoughts.
Just remember: roses are red. So is blood. And sometimes the line between art and obsession is thinner than we’d like to believe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Work in Progress by Erica Damon
An in the Cards story
Published June 8, 2026
What can I say? I loved it.
It’s short, but don’t let the page count fool you. Some stories need 400 pages to get under your skin. This one basically walked in, made itself comfortable, and started redecorating my brain.
Very quickly I felt like I was trapped inside an artist’s mind, watching inspiration take shape in real time. It wasn’t loud or overdramatic. It crept up on me instead, like someone quietly stepping behind you and resting their hands on your shoulders before you realize you’re not alone. Uncomfortable? Absolutely. Effective? Even more so.
The entire time I desperately wanted to see the finished artwork. At the same time, I also wished the inspiration behind it had come from literally anything else. That’s the beauty of this story—it makes you curious while making you question whether curiosity is actually a survival skill.
So why 4.5 stars instead of 5? Simply because some stories crawl under my skin a bit more than this one did.
If you’re collecting the An in the Cards stories, don’t skip this one. It’s dark, clever, unsettling, and quietly addictive. It doesn’t scream for your attention—it patiently waits until you’re looking the other way and then wraps itself around your thoughts.
Just remember: roses are red. So is blood. And sometimes the line between art and obsession is thinner than we’d like to believe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Work In Progress by Erica Damon was an absolutely captivating short story that pulled me in from the very first page.
Erica Damon does a brilliant job of blurring the line between artistic genius and obsession. As Rashida struggles to reclaim her former success, readers are drawn deep into her creative process and increasingly uncertain sense of reality. Watching her work on what she believes will be her masterpiece is both fascinating and unsettling.
The suspense builds steadily, and I found myself turning the pages, completely invested and needing to know how it would end. I had a feeling about where the story was headed, but that didn’t lessen the tension at all. If anything, it made me even more eager to reach the ending.
By the end, Erica had me questioning whether Rashida was losing touch with reality or whether I was! That psychological uncertainty made the story especially memorable.
This is a fantastic short read for anyone who enjoys psychological fiction with a touch of darkness. I loved it and can’t wait to read the rest of the In The Cards stories.
Erica Damon does a brilliant job of blurring the line between artistic genius and obsession. As Rashida struggles to reclaim her former success, readers are drawn deep into her creative process and increasingly uncertain sense of reality. Watching her work on what she believes will be her masterpiece is both fascinating and unsettling.
The suspense builds steadily, and I found myself turning the pages, completely invested and needing to know how it would end. I had a feeling about where the story was headed, but that didn’t lessen the tension at all. If anything, it made me even more eager to reach the ending.
By the end, Erica had me questioning whether Rashida was losing touch with reality or whether I was! That psychological uncertainty made the story especially memorable.
This is a fantastic short read for anyone who enjoys psychological fiction with a touch of darkness. I loved it and can’t wait to read the rest of the In The Cards stories.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed Work in Progress by Erica Damon. It’s a gripping thriller that captures creative obsession and psychological unraveling incredibly well.
What stood out most to me was the portrayal of artistic frenzy and delusion. The book does an excellent job showing how genius and obsession can blur together, creating a mindset where reality slowly starts slipping away beneath the pressure of the work itself.
I was actually able to predict the ending fairly early on, but interestingly, that made me even more invested in the story. It created this growing anticipation as I waited for the twist to fully unfold and for the character’s downward spiral to reach its conclusion.
Overall, it’s an engaging and well-executed thriller with a compelling psychological core. Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy stories about ambition, creativity, and the darker side of genius.
What stood out most to me was the portrayal of artistic frenzy and delusion. The book does an excellent job showing how genius and obsession can blur together, creating a mindset where reality slowly starts slipping away beneath the pressure of the work itself.
I was actually able to predict the ending fairly early on, but interestingly, that made me even more invested in the story. It created this growing anticipation as I waited for the twist to fully unfold and for the character’s downward spiral to reach its conclusion.
Overall, it’s an engaging and well-executed thriller with a compelling psychological core. Definitely recommend for readers who enjoy stories about ambition, creativity, and the darker side of genius.
June 12, 2026
This story hooks you fast and does not let go. It begins as an intriguing scenario, but the atmosphere turns dark very quickly. I was entirely absorbed by how the narrative blurs the line between a healthy obsession and pure insanity. There is a definitive turning point where Rashida's artistic process demands an unsettling physical sacrifice, and that moment brilliantly anchors her descent into madness. Because the plot moves so swiftly, the tension stays high, dragging you straight down into the psychological spiral. The narrative builds to a climax that feels completely earned and perfectly paced. If you like fast-paced psychological suspense, blurred moral lines, and descent-into-madness tropes, then you will enjoy this book.
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/wo...
Want to see spoilers or trigger warnings? Check out: https://www.spoiltheplot.com/books/wo...
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
A huge shoutout to the amazing Erica Damon for letting me get my hands on this eerie short story! 🥀🖤
I thought I knew where Work in Progress was going... I figured there would be some "weird" things happening, but the ending took me 1000000% by surprise! 🤯
Is the protagonist a creative genius or a terrifying psychopath? You’ll have to decide for yourself. If you love a short, eerie read that plays out like a movie in your head, add this to your TBR immediately!
The Vibe: Think Graves or Butcher & Blackbird vibes—all the gore, but without the spice. 🩸🎨
Out soon! Stay tuned for the release!
A huge shoutout to the amazing Erica Damon for letting me get my hands on this eerie short story! 🥀🖤
I thought I knew where Work in Progress was going... I figured there would be some "weird" things happening, but the ending took me 1000000% by surprise! 🤯
Is the protagonist a creative genius or a terrifying psychopath? You’ll have to decide for yourself. If you love a short, eerie read that plays out like a movie in your head, add this to your TBR immediately!
The Vibe: Think Graves or Butcher & Blackbird vibes—all the gore, but without the spice. 🩸🎨
Out soon! Stay tuned for the release!
May 18, 2026
Loved this short story by Erica as part of the in the card series.
Imagine having a passion for something and losing the ability to do that anymore. One day you decide you’re going to try to be successful in that hobby again.
This one happens to be about a painting and you’re in for a super surprise at the end!
Imagine having a passion for something and losing the ability to do that anymore. One day you decide you’re going to try to be successful in that hobby again.
This one happens to be about a painting and you’re in for a super surprise at the end!
Review of advance copy received from Author
As with all her books, Erica Damon does not disappoint! This is a short novella book and can be read in a day (maybe 2). This is a perfect read for in between longer books. This book may be short but it grabs you right at the beginning and doesn’t let go until the very end. I was totally NOT expecting that very twisty ending!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Have you guys ever read anything by Erica Damon Author before?
She was one of the very first Indie authors I discovered and I haven't looked back since.
This woman knows how to reel you in, make you think you know what's going to happen and then absolutely slam dunk you into a state of pure shock.
There is so much I can say about this story, but I don't want to spoil it for you!
Have you guys ever read anything by Erica Damon Author before?
She was one of the very first Indie authors I discovered and I haven't looked back since.
This woman knows how to reel you in, make you think you know what's going to happen and then absolutely slam dunk you into a state of pure shock.
There is so much I can say about this story, but I don't want to spoil it for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This short story really grabs your attention and then runs off the rails. Loved it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a super quick read and as others have said I thought I knew where it was going, the end was not what I was thinking! Thank you for letting me be a part of the group!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Super quick read that grabs your attention from the very start! What starts as an artist rediscovering her passion takes a surprising turn in the end that you won't expect!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thankyou for the opportunity to be an ARC reader again!
This was dark, tense and surprisingly gripping for such a short story. She knows how to create atmosphere in only a few pages!
This was dark, tense and surprisingly gripping for such a short story. She knows how to create atmosphere in only a few pages!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Inspiration can come from many places and sometimes that inspiration leads to darkness.
June 16, 2026
Another masterpiece by Erica Damon! Twisted, dark, unhinged, and just gripping. Definitely did a jaw dropped, wtf did i read at the last page. Do not miss this quick read full of punches!
June 30, 2026
Art imitates life or does life imitate art in this eerie thriller. Great read and wondering contribution to the In the Cards collection!
July 1, 2026
This story is brutal! I knew what was going on and still wasn't ready for the reveal. The beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews