Dark Journeys Returns… ‘The Handyman’ Cometh

It’s been a couple of weeks since I published a Dark Journeys story, with the last tale, “The Gentle Sound of Tapping,” lingering in Lovecraftian darkness as my final word for awhile.

I’ve been busy, world. Doing edits and formatting on the upcoming From the Dark Side anthology, prepping to start edits on the Farrago anthology, edits for Goblin Market, writing, writing, writing like mad between work and fiction… but finally, I’ve got another story for you.

I just finished the second draft for “The Handyman” last night, and will drop a sneak preview of the cover art, but no excerpt yet. The excerpt will drop Wednesday in prep for the story’s release next Friday.

“The Handyman” is a dark, edgy story about a mentally disabled young man and his relationship with his cruel older brother. Despite his older brother’s nasty remarks about Cleve’s disability, Cleve discovers he has a unique talent. He can take things apart and put them back together again. When he’s done, they work better than before. Of course, it drives his family crazy that he’s always disassembling things around the house, but it makes Cleve feel strong and clever, something he’s never felt before in his life.

Thank you to everyone who has been following me on the Dark Journeys Blog Tour, which is winding down this week. If you haven’t checked out the most recent stops on the tour, please take a moment to check out my interview with the amazing Slushpile Hero. When you’re done there, visit Jason Warden, check out our interview and then read some of his short fiction.