Although the short stories in the book tend to lean towards genre-bending horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and urban tales, I want the best for my characters. I want their burning souls to rise up from the ashes of their smothering circumstances and know their existence matters.

At The Untold Story Bookstore, the warm and comforting vibe is very intentional. It's a place where everyone is welcomed to grab a book, take a seat, relax and read for as long as you desire. It's a safe community space, where local poets, writers, readers, artists, jewelry designers, cookie bakers, families and their children come for that cozy feeling of belonging. Of knowing you're embraced by friends.

In writing the stories for Born of Dirt & Dust, I wanted to open a lens for readers to fully experience the characters' world, how trapped they felt, how they chose to move forward, and the ripple effect of those choices.

Yesterday, I met Jason Reynolds at an author event hosted by the OC Library. Yes! It was an absolute pleasure. I took notes, listening as Jason spoke about words and rhythm and the power of sound; layers of subtext as meaningful ideas that don't have to be shouted in the dialogue or paragraphs of his stories; and his passion for the heartbeat of language, his love of Shakespeare, and his fascination with all creatures living on the land or oceans of our earth.

I don't know why she says what she says but I know she's crazy and that's why she keeps a locked chain across the refrigerator door ...

Author Renee Coloman is inviting new friends to follow me / follow you on Instagram where we can share inspiring insights about books, writing, and the magic of storytelling.

I read and I write and I read throughout the days and nights, because books and their authors have a special way of revealing truths about our humanity, our potential, our weaknesses, our vulnerabilities, yet our courage and resilience to survive. These are the reasons why I won’t let go. Why I have to keep going. It’s my writing journey, and there is no end. 

It's a heartbeat away. Only a few more days until the release of Born of Dirt & Dust---a hybrid collection of 23 short stories spread across 200+ pages; the kind of intense narratives that dip and swirl within worlds of fantasy, sci-fi, and horror. Stories that feature diverse characters and settings, offering thoughtful insights into life's hardships and the strength of the human spirit. An experience that will move you, provoke thought, and stay with you long after the last

Thank you to The Literary Hatchet, published by Pear Tree Press, for including Abby's Lockbox in their book #38, released in November 2024.