Hello, Friends!

I'm Renee Coloman, a graduate of English Literature, and a full-time employee working in communications for an award-winning franchise organization.

My recent book, Born of Dirt & Dust, released in November 2025 on Amazon. The 215-page book is a collection of speculative flash and short fiction diving into a hybrid of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror genres. These stories are vivid, emotionally charged, and examine the complexities of life’s challenges and the resilience of the human spirit. It's the kind of fiction that feels prickly and real.

"A dark bouquet of narratives that often focus on women pushed to emotional extremes." -- Kirkus Reviews

Eight of the stories in this collection received acclaim from literary publications across the U.S. Notably, from editors of Lavina Press, Crow & Cross Keys, The Literary Hatchet, The Umbrella Factory, and Bright Flash Literary Review.

“Congratulations! Your story, I’ll Make It Easy, has been accepted for Issue 9 of Lavina Press.”

“We would be delighted to accept Flypaper & Pickle Jars for publication. This was a strange, sad, and yet somehow hopeful piece and we really enjoyed it. We think our readers will too.” Elou Carroll, editor of Crow & Cross Keys

“Thank you for sending us Abby’s Lockbox. We love it and would like to publish it in the next issue of The Literary Hatchet.”

“Congratulations! Your story has been accepted for publication in Bright Flash Literary Review. Thanks for sending us a great piece.”

5-STAR REVIEW! Posted on Discovery by Reedsy.com.

A compilation of short and flash fiction, Born of Dirt & Dust blends speculative elements with stark human realism to create a reading experience that is both haunting and addictive. Described as a “Gritty, quick hit of fiction that will stick to your bones and invade your thoughts long after the last page is turned," the reviewer, Kristine Hall, goes on to say,"Coloman has a gift for world building and writing robust characters ... the author provides a completely authentic, descriptive, painful picture we won’t soon forget ... It’s truly the mark of a talented writer when so much is revealed in so few pages and with such huge impact."

Read the complete 5-Star review here.

Read a full story excerpt from Born of Dirt & Dust from my blog page.

The story is titled, ROBBY's Come to Play. Click here.

Born of Dirt & Dust now available on Amazon!

Special Promotion You Don't Want to Miss!

Get a limited signed copy of the book, Born of Dirt & Dust, direct from the author.

Details available here.

Roxy's Not My Girl: Excerpt

I'm also the author of a short-story collection, Roxy's Not My Girl, which is my first published book. You're invited to step into this collection of unforgettable stories where compelling characters confront both personal and societal struggles—grappling with isolation, fractured family bonds, and daunting obstacles. Each protagonist is driven by a deep yearning to overcome rejection, blame, and abandonment, forging their own path through adversity. With resilience and heartfelt self-discovery, they carve out extraordinary solutions and redefine what it means to survive when their worth is on the line. Experience journeys that will challenge, move, and inspire you—this is a book you won’t want to miss.

Here's an excerpt from Jimmie Wyste Doesn't Like His Parents Secrets, the sixth short story from Roxy's Not My Girl.

Jimmy Wyste shouldn't have been spying. He knows it's not nice. His mother told him so yesterday, when she caught him peeping around the corner from the hallway. Thirteen feet away. She caught him gazing into the darkness of her distant bedroom. But the mother of the small boy couldn't understand that her son didn't want to see what happened in that room. Not yesterday, not today, not ever.

Bad things happen at his parent's house. That's why Jimmie spies. It frightens him, what he sees, so he holds it inside. Secrets. His parents do bad things and Jimmie keeps their secrets.

Outside this morning, the school bus honked twice. Beep-beep! Jimmie didn't blink. He stared into his bowl of dry cereal. Tasteless corn flakes. There's no milk, his mother had said. She wanted to fix him two eggs instead, but Jimmie doesn't like the egg yolks. Two bulbous lumps staring up at him from his plate. Big, yellowish eyes. Staring and glaring. Tricking him. Reminding him of the baby ...

... ready to read more? Roxy's Not My Girl is available on Amazon.

My Story: What's Next ...

Renee is working on two full-length manuscripts. The first, a thriller about a teenage girl who comes to learn that the death of her toddler brother was no accident. The story is set in a remote mountain town, where all roads lead to questionable behavior, nefarious alliances, corruption, gaslighting, and patrons of a local casino.

The second manuscript is designed for young to middle-grade readers. It's a fun, exciting story about elementary-school space ambassadors caught up in a failing world far, far from home.

Take care. Thank you for visiting and discovering a little more about me.

Don't forget, you can always send me an email. Friendship is one of the best gifts anyone can give.

Books by Renee Coloman

Born of Dirt & Dust. Now available on Amazon. Paperback only at this time ($14.99).

Roxy's Not My Girl is available on Amazon. Printed version ($8.99) and Kindle Unlimited ($0.00 or buy for $3.99).

Make sure to leave a review on Amazon.

Your support is graciously appreciated.

Links to Lit Mags featuring Renee's Work

Strings Uncut ... featured in Hedge Apple
Smokin' with Death ... featured in Bright Flash Literary Review
Flypaper & Pickle Jars ... featured in Crow & Crosskeys
I'll Make It Easy ... featured in Lavina Press Issue 9 (for purchase. Thank you for supporting Lavina Press!)
Broken Wishbones ... featured in The Umbrella Factory Issue 70, page 8