A. Cook's Books

The past ten months have been incredible for me, writing-wise, despite all that’s been happening in the world and my personal life. Since last June, I have had five stories accepted at various markets, and today, the fourth was just released into the world thanks to Aidan Wilson at Etherea Magazine. Entitled “Germinating Everyday Magic,” it’s a flash fantasy about loss, legacy, and the importance of community. (Edited to add: I’m happy to report this story is now available to read for free at Etherea’s website!)

I’m so proud of this story and so happy Aidan accepted it. He takes such care in the laying out of his issues, and Etherea #8 is no exception. What I love about this magazine is how Aidan spends time choosing a special illustration to go along with each story. I adore the one he chose for “Germinating Everyday Magic” as much as the one he chose for my last story in Etherea. He’s also lovely to work with in terms of the business side of writing. If you’re an SFF short story writer, I highly recommend submitting to Etherea. It’s a fabulous community to be a part of.

In other news, I have a fifth story due to appear in the very first issue of a brand new magazine! My story, “Weaving Serenity,” will be featured in Wyngraf Magazine of Cozy Fantasy, set to release around May 1st. I am super excited about this story being published. After seventeen (yes, 17!) rejections and multiple iterations since I first started submitting it in 2019, I think it’s finally found the perfect home.

“Weaving Serenity” is my secondary world fantasy short that’s all about a mother and daughter who do battle against dragons–but with a twist. It will also be the longest short story of mine to be published (so far) at over 4,700 words. This story is near and dear to my heart, and I’m so grateful to Nathaniel Webb, the Editor in Chief of Wyngraf, (who is also so lovely to work with) for accepting it. I can’t wait to share the news when it’s finally in the world!

I don’t have any cover images yet to share, but I do have the tweets announcing the first issue posted by the magazine itself!

(Edited to add: Wyngraf Issue #1 is now available for preorder! Go check out the cover and the table of contents at their website!)

I think that’s it for now. My kids are on Spring Break this week, so I am enjoying all this publishing news during a seriously relaxing staycation. I hope all of you are finding wonder and joy where you can as Spring is just around the corner. Stay cozy and stay safe, wherever you may be.

And, as always, thanks for reading.

A. Cook