Whatever Else

by J. Kathleen Cheney

Maia is a young woman with only a small gift: the ability to watch others from afar. To cement a treaty between two clans, she married Arras, a young man she's known most of her life. But when her brother comes to visit, he reveals a shameful secret that leaves Maia questioning everything she believes about her husband. Now she must use her small gift to determine the truth of her brother's claim...and decide whether to stay at her husband's side or flee him.

Short Story

Genres: Fantasy, Short Stories

17 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 4, 2016

About the author

J. Kathleen Cheney is nothing if not versatile in her story telling. But, weaving through her work is a common thread, that of the improbable heroine. From worlds set in humanity’s distant post-apocalyptic future to alternate worlds of today or of the near past, Kathleen’s heroines include a siren who with help from a gentleman of the city must stop a regicidal plot, the neglected daughter of an absent king coming to terms with her shapeshifting ancestors, a blind teenager who dreams of others’ deaths and who uses her gift of touch to find their killers, and the widow of a trainer who with a most unusual horse must save her farm and way of life. All use their unusual gifts and talents to overcome obstacles and find their place in the world.

In 2005 Kathleen decided to pursue writing as a full-time endeavor and has since enjoyed seeing her stories published in Shimmer, The Sword Review, and Baen’s Universe. Her novella “Iron Shoes” was a 2011 Nebula nominee. Kathleen twice attended the summer Writer’s Workshop at the Center for the Study of Science Fiction under the tutelage of James Gunn. She lists C. J. Cherryh, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Georgette Heyer among the writers who influenced her most–as well as Ansen Dibell, whose ghostly fingerprints can be seen all over her work.

Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Kathleen’s parents actually were rocket scientists (they worked at White Sands Missile Range), which made for interesting dinner-time conversations. After graduating with degrees in English and Marketing she worked as a menswear buyer for retail department store chains before changing careers to become a teacher, where she taught mathematics ranging from 7th Grade Arithmetic up to Calculus. Kathleen also served a brief stint as a Gifted and Talented Specialist. She coached the Academic Team and the Robotics Team and was the Chess Club sponsor.

When not writing, Kathleen likes to don a mask and get sweaty fencing, both foil and saber. Quieter hobbies include putting on her Wellingtons and getting her hands dirty in the garden. She also enjoys traveling and taking care of her dogs. Two large, hairy, dogs.

Her first novel, "The Golden City" came out from Ace Books, November 2013.

Reviews

[Beth Cato · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is sweet but offers a lot of depth. It's about loving people for who they are, and along those lines, it contains some major twists. It didn't take long to read and it left me with a smile on my face.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh take on magic & fantasy & arranged marriages. As with all good short stories, this one was just long enough but I was delighted that the author may be writing more in this particular world. I would definitely read a novel set in this same world. I can definitely recommend Whatever Else as a story well told!

[Malaraa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice story, but very short. Wanted more. :)

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not entirely sure what I think of this. It was quite odd.

[Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Striking but rather unsettling little story.