Free Story (because it’s my birthday!) – ‘A Witch’s Place’

It’s my birthday today, so here’s a present for you – I’m over on AntipodeanSF again this month, in their bumper edition to celebrate the magazine’s 250th issue, and 21 years of AntipodeanSF, with my short story ‘A Witch’s Place‘.

Here’s the beginning:

‘The fire is beautiful!’ Aunt Joan shouts as our blacksmith and thatcher march her to the stake. Her brown woollen skirts swish as confidently as her stride. Her breath clouds in the morning air. ‘The fire is bright! We welcome it!’

I turn away with a sob.

The devil really does have her soul.

Folk pass me carrying bundles of old thatch. They stink of musty roofs and mice dung.

‘Your mother is waiting, Maggie!’ Aunt Joan calls to me. ‘It’s time! Look!’

Read the rest of my story for free over here!

While you’re there, have a read of some other stories too – this 250th issue boasts over 50 stories from some of the most familiar names in the Australian SF scene! And congratulations AntipodeanSF for 21 years online with 250 issues! The creativity in those issues is astounding, and the work and dedication it must have taken to put them together almost incomprehensible. You’ve done such a great job, Nuke, contributing so extensively to the Australian speculative landscape. I’m honoured to know you :0)