Complete Bibliography

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Novels / Novellas

Book II in the Palude Series (MidnightSun Publishing, coming in 2025!) – YA Novel – Science Fantasy

When Dark Roots Hunt (MidnightSun Publishing, 2023) – YA Novel – Science Fantasy, FINALIST: 2024 DITMAR AWARD FOR BEST NOVEL

The Guitar Wizard (NBWG Publishing, 2018, co-authored) – YA Novella – Urban Fantasy, WINNER ‘BEST BOOK’ 2017 WABIAD National Open

Towards White (IFWG, 2017) – Adult Novel – Science Fiction Thriller

The Time of the Jade Spider (NBWG Publishing, 2017, co-authored) – YA Novella – Urban Fantasy, WINNER ‘BEST BOOK’ 2016 WABIAD National Open

Into Tordon (MidnightSun Publishing, 2016, co-authored) – MG Novel – Science Fantasy

Rider & the Hummingbird (NBWG Publishing, 2016, co-authored) – YA Novella – Science Fiction Thriller, WINNER ‘BEST BOOK’ 2015 WABIAD National Open

A Dolphin for Naia (NBWG Publishing, 2014, co-authored) – MG Novella – Science Fiction Thriller, WINNER ‘BEST BOOK’ 2014 WABIAD National Open

Scribbles in the Dark (NBWG Publishing, 2014, co-authored) – MG Novella – Urban Fantasy, WINNER ‘BEST BOOK’ 2013 WABIAD National Open

Short Fiction

‘Diamonds in the Sea’

– coming soon, The Patchwork Raven.

‘A Bloodied Tail’

– published, Villain or Hero? Anthology (NBWG, 2023).

– When is a sea witch not a sea witch? When she’s painted as evil incarnate by a vindictive ex-spouse, who just so happens to be king of the sea.

‘About Time’

First Place, Port Writers’ Open Writing Competition 2023.
– Longlisted, Mid-North Coast Writers’ Centre Short Story Competition 2021.
– Shortlisted, Marjorie Barnard Short Story Award 2019.

This story has a strong narrative voice from the opening paragraph and never flags in its pace. The writing style is fluent and the dialogue, both internal and external, is well-constructed. The author’s choice to use the second person in much of the telling gives the story a strong focus on the core conflict. It allows a clever revealing of the main character’s dilemma, to a strong ending that is not overblown in spite of the emotional impact. Even though this story covers a long timeframe, the conflict between mother and daughter is carefully balanced. A very satisfying story to read.” Competition Judge

‘Not Today’

– published, Dark Recesses Press (Vol 7, Issue 18, 2023).

– Invading aliens with advanced technology may make us obsolete, but not all of us want to be, and not all of us will succumb as easily to hopelessness as others…

‘Made’

– published, Wandering Stars – The Best of the Zodiac Series Anthology (Deadset Press, 2022).
– published, Aries Anthology (Deadset Press, 2020).
– YouTube #shorts: https://youtube.com/shorts/qY-hIsdhcSc

– Niam wants more than anything to protect his family from the dangers in his village. But the one thing he cannot control is the monster inside himself, waiting to be made…

‘Ocean Wolf’

– published, Etherea Magazine (Issue 15, 2022).
– ‘Must-Read Speculative Short Fiction for October 2022′, Tor.com
– YouTube #shorts 1, release: https://youtube.com/shorts/VUMKxya9a7k
– YouTube #shorts 2, Tor.com review: https://youtube.com/shorts/enA3cSGVaT4

– They say dusk and dawn are the most dangerous times to surf, when the ocean’s coldest wolves hunt the brine for their prey; but with the freedom of modern conveniences, there might be more at stake…

“Zena Shapter’s story is as cold and brutal as the Pacific Ocean crashing into the rocky California coast.” Alex Brown.

‘The Polite Watchman’

– published, SFS Stories Magazine (Issue 4, 2021).

– When metalmongers attack Nari’s crumbling castle they get more resistance than expected…

‘The Air You Get’

– published, Rhapsody Anthology (NBWG, 2021).

– A phone call to her sister in London challenges Vicky’s reality, but perhaps that’s for the best?

‘The Kind of Man’

– published, Welkin Magazine (Vol I Issue 3, 2021).

– At the end of a very long day, Theo wants nothing more than a warm fire and a good rest. But when magical Etta sees how kind a man he is, she proposes an alternate more magical plan…

‘You pick (b)’

– published, The Ampersand (Edition I, April 2021).

– It’s 5.40pm on a Friday afternoon, and all you really want to do is cook dinner…

‘Keeping Words’

– Highly Commended, 2020 Port Writers Open Literature Competition.

“Perfect title with a double meaning; this story stayed with me afterwards. Professionally told story with a wonderful dilemma to open the story up, a great backstory and a well-rounded conclusion that tied off that part of the protagonist’s past. Modern, contemporary and engaging. Dialogue was great and the story felt natural. Themes of trust, betrayal and closure were dealt with honestly.” Hayley Lawrence.

‘Beef’

– published, Oz is Burning Anthology (B-Cubed Press, 2020).

– A parent’s greatest wish is their child’s safety; but this new global enemy is everywhere, and always was.

‘Feeding Time’

– published, Quarantine Quanta Anthology (Maura Yzmore, 2020).
– Highly Commended, Quarantine Quanta: A Drabble Competition 2020

– An indistinct shadow pays working girl Sylvie top dollar for staging guilt-ridden surprises…

‘Breakthrough’

– re-print published, Stories of Hope An Aussie Speculative Fiction Charity Anthology (Deadset Press, 2020).
– published, A Visit From The Duchess Anthology (Stringybark Publishing, 2011).

– Leah knows that the last thing her planet needs right now is war. Yet her husband’s research is also vital to their species’ survival…

‘Spellbreaker’

– published, Of Beasts & Butterflies Anthology (NBWG 2019).

– Neglected teens Hansel & Gretel find their way to The Sugar House where only fire can save them, a modern Australian adaptation of the fairy tale.

‘The Family Tradition’

– published, Untitled: Issue Eight Anthology (Busybird, 2019).

– A morning of daydreams has Mia reconsidering her relationship with food…

‘Shy’

– podcast, Manawaker Studio’s Flash Fiction Podcast (Manawaker 2019).
– first published
, AntipodeanSF Magazine (Issue 192, 2014).
– narrated, The AntipodeanSF Radio Show.

– Evie is torn between three lives: the life she has, the life she needs, and the life she believes will never come. Trapped in their island village, her brother knows better than she does which life will be hers. FREE TO READ and FREE TO LISTEN

‘A Witch’s Place’

– published, AntipodeanSF Magazine (Issue 250, 2019).

– When Maggie’s aunt is accused of witchcraft, she can’t imagine her day getting any worse… FREE TO READ and FREE TO LISTEN

‘The Call of the Gypsy Fetcher’

– published, WhimsyCon Anthology (Denver WhimsyCon 2019).

– Magic can be your downfall as well as your saviour, and when desperation reduces Lucetta’s choices, it becomes a question of life or death..

‘The Final Squeeze’

– published, AntipodeanSF Magazine (Issue 245, 2018).

– If only Tilly had realised their very survival would depend on her. FREE TO READ and FREE TO LISTEN

‘Guarding Temperance’

– published, A Noise on an Island Anthology (NBWG 2018).

– There’s more than one way to save the world. But when the noise gets too much for her, Joey discovers just how little she really knows.

‘Darker’

midnight-echo-zena-shapter-best-anthologyAHWAtrophyWriters of the Future Win!

 – re-print published, Dead of Night: The Best of Midnight Echo Anthology (AHWA 2016), Awarded Australian Shadows Award for Best Edited Work 2016.
– First place, 2013 Australian Horror Writers’ Association short story competition.
– Semi-finalist, Writers of the Future (1st Quarter, 2013).
– published, Midnight Echo 10 Magazine (AHWA, 2013).
– Awarded a star review, Tangent Online.

– Kelek loves his life. His small farm is sheltered from the desert by a grassy ridge. He could gaze into the eyes of his wife Yaxeem forever. And although his son Gimaal pines for the city of Darquesh, Kelek is teaching him to value wide arching skies. But when a cavalcade of traders stop at his farm one day for respite from the heat, Kelek must make a decision that will change his life forever…

“Zena Shapter’s “Darker” is dark fantasy at its blood-soaked finest. Its setting is evocative and sharply drawn, its storyline emotionally gruelling and possessing a surprising sting in the tale. Highly recommended.” Guy Salvidge
“I want to read good stories. When I come across one that fills me with the kind of excitement and suspense and pure pleasure that made me want to become a writer, I want people to know about that story. Go read “Darker.”  Go read more of Zena Shapter’s work. Go like her page on Facebook. You’ll be glad you did. … Good worldbuilding, strong characterizations, and surprising plot twists. The feel of this story calls to mind the work of Robert E. Howard and C.L. Moore.” Lillian Csernica, for Tangent Online

‘Like the Web of a Swamp Spider’

zena-shapter-a-fearsome-engine-cover

– published, A Fearsome Engine Anthology (NBWG 2016).

– Friendship is about forgiving each others’ mistakes, and accepting others for who they are… only in some conditions that’s easier said than done. On a distant planet, with limited technology, her hillstead surrounded by swamp – Salee must face her worst fears.

‘Let The Tempest Hold Me Down’

zena-shapter-sci-phi-journal-let-the-tempest-hold-me-down

– published, Hugo-finalist Sci Phi Journal (SPJ 2016).
– reprint published, Sci Phi Journal: The Journal of Science Fiction and Philosophy, Anthology Edition #1 (SPJ 2016).

– Tek has long believed in leading a different life. When tragedy strikes close to home, he’s more determined than ever to prove himself. Only hindsight will reveal how devastating his actions will be… FREE TO READ

“Fabulous read from a strong and prolific SF writer!” Kim Falconer, Quantum Encryption Series

Ditmar Award
‘Best New Talent’

Ditmar

– Best New Talent, Ditmar Award.
– Ditmar Awards celebrate achievements in speculative fiction writing.

The Ditmar Awards have been awarded annually since 1969 at the Australian National Science Fiction Convention (the “Natcon”) to recognise achievements in Australian science fiction, fantasy and horror writing. The award for Best New Talent is the industry’s show of support for and vote of confidence in a single writer and their writing.

‘Champions’

Glen Miles Short Story Prize Win!

– First place, Glen Miles Short Story Prize 2013.
– published, Award Winning Australian Writing Anthology (Melbourne Books, 2014).
– epublished, Bass Coast Post 2013.
– published, Waterline Anthology (Waterline Writing Competition, 2013).

– Watching their two boys play soccer every Saturday impacts two mothers for a lifetime…

“The author, uniquely, uses a Gonzo-esque stream of consciousness as a literary device, reminding me very much of the works of Hunter S. Thompson. Without a linear narrative, unsure if this is a letter, a conversation, a phone call or just the jumbled thoughts of a broken heart, the reader is compelled to simply hang in there and question. Beautifully crafted and well told, this important story deserves to be read many times… It’s an excellent story which I read many times, and which never failed to move me.” Gareth Barlow, Glen Miles Short Story Prize Judge

‘Safe’

– published, Short and Twisted Anthology (2014).

– Be careful what you wish for, even if you’re a magical creature and all you’re looking for is love.

‘Shy’

– published, AntipodeanSF Magazine (Issue 192, 2014).
– narrated, The AntipodeanSF Radio Show.

– Evie is torn between three lives: the life she has, the life she needs, and the life she believes will never come. Trapped in their island village, her brother knows better than she does which life will be hers. FREE TO READ

‘A Sprig After Rain’

– Shortlisted, 2013 Trudy Graham and Julie Lewis Literary Award.

‘Weighting Time’

FAWWA Win!

– Highly Commended, 2013 Hadow/Stuart Short Story Competition.

“This is excellently written. There is no ‘over-the-top’ emotion; it is all there, but carefully presented through the remembrance of the child as she had once been, and the sorrow that the memories bring. Handling the emotions so carefully makes them so much more effective, and this is another story to remember.” Judges’ comments

‘The Something Said’

FAW Win!

– First place, 2012 Fellowship of Australian Writers Manly & Peninsula Short Story Competition.
– published as “Our Something Said”, You, Me & a Bit of We Anthology (Chuffed Buff Books, 2013).

– A story written in first person plural, which is where verbs are told with the personal pronoun ‘we’. It’s an incredibly tricky POV (point of view) to master, but in this story it works a wonder!

“Absorbing and unique. Editor’s comments
“A beautifully written, poignant narrative, involving a sick child and a mother’s unbearable angst.Judges’ comments

 ‘A Knight Answers’

Oberon Win!

– First place, 2012 Oberon Writing Competition.

‘Deep’

WotF Win!

– Honourable Mention, Writers of the Future (2nd Quarter, 2012).

‘Finding My Way’

– shortlisted, The Pittwater Award 2012.

 

‘Portrait of a Model’

FAW Win!

– First place, 2011 Fellowship of Australian Writers Manly & Peninsula Short Story Competition.

“A powerful story well told. Entertaining and thought provoking. Clever title too.” Judges’ comments

‘Invisible Dirt’

Oberon Win!

– First place, 2011 Oberon Writing Competition.
– published, Award Winning Australian Writing 2012 Anthology (Melbourne Books, 2012).

– A visit home has Martha reconsidering her haunting past…

‘Trigger’

– published, Winds of Change Anthology (Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild Publishing, 2011).

– Change is only ever a breath away. Its arrival may be as swift as a slamming door or as slow as the inevitable march of evolution. It can pass unseen while a situation slowly unfolds, or dramatically as everything we know is swept away. In “Trigger”, change comes to Captain Amro of the Serein Border Mular Outpost, a man so obsessed by love he misses something he may regret the rest of his life…

‘A Dragon’s Back’

– published, Parenting Express Magazine (2012).

“a moving piece of writing” Kirsten Krauth
“honest and thoughtful… brave” Kirsten Alexander
“as a mother they talked to me. Very powerful” Kylie Scott

‘The Voice’

– published, mStories Magazine (2011).
– published, ‘mStories‘ Honours Thesis (Jessica Frawley, 2011), p.44 (p.53 of online PDF)
“Shapter’s story uses repetition, synonymy, antonymy, meronymy, hyponymy and collocation to provide intersemiotic connection between visual and lexicosemantic meaning-making elements.” Dr Jessica Frawley, studying how increasingly visual and multimodal the semiotic landscape is becoming and using The Voice of an example of a new literacy reshaping and redefining literacy as a whole. FREE TO READ

‘From Here to There’

Conflux Win!

– superior entry, 2011 Conflux 7.

‘Fighting Off The Foxes’

FAW Win!

– First place, 2010 Fellowship of Australian Writers Manly & Peninsula Short Story Competition.

“A well-written and moving story that tackles a difficult topic with sensitivity and insight.” Judges’ comments

‘Once, Upon A Wattle’

FAW Win!

– Commended, 2010 Fellowship of Australian Writers Manly & Peninsula Short Story Competition.

“There are enough twists and turns to make this story a lot of fun.” Judges’ comments

‘Diamonds in the Sea’

– shortlisted, Page Seventeen 2009.

‘just the way things are’

FAW Win!

– Commended, 2009 Fellowship of Australian Writers Manly & Peninsula Short Story Competition.

Want to Read?

If a story is free to read, links are provided to its digital existence.
Otherwise, stories are available for purchase through publishers’ websites or your favourite online retailer, such as Amazon.

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