Shallow Waters—where nothing stays buried. With twenty-two dark tales diving beneath the surface of loss, love, and life. Shallow Waters is the official monthly flash fiction challenge hosted by the award-winning Crystal Lake Publishing. Every month a new challenge is posted online, with authors submitting via email. The best submissions are then posted on Crystal Lake's Patreon page, where patrons read daily entries and vote for the winner. What you'll find in these Shallow Waters anthologies include the most popular of our finalists. Stay tuned for more volumes in this series, or find Crystal Lake Publishing on Patreon to enter or vote on future challenges. Volume one includes horror, thrillers, suspense, and stories of love lost, death, 2nd chances, the monsters within, and the beauty beneath it all. Introduction by Joe Mynhardt "Closure on a Bed of Nails" by Chad Lutzke "Fast Car" by Tracy Fahey "Tears of Buddy" by Patrick R. McDonough "Puzzle Pieces" by Armand Rosamilia "Pretty Like Butterflies" by Tim Waggoner "S1:E7" by Robert Ford "Pain is Your Teacher" by Michael Harris Cohen "Memory Lane" by Red Lagoe "The Silence of the Sirens" by Loren Rhoads "It's Me Not You" by Jonathan Winn "Sisters of Loss" by Mark Allan Gunnells "Talisman" by Jezzy Wolfe "The Melting of Your Gods" by Mercedes M. Yardley "Charms" by Dino Parenti "Not Your Average Monster" by Kenneth W. Cain "Where the Children Run in Darkness" by Guy Medley "Tunnels" by Tom Over (winner) "The Truth about Dani" by Joe Mercer "Baby Savannah" by M.J. Sydney "Rats Scratched in the Linen Cupboard" by Dani Brown "Raining" by John Boden "The Death Experience" by L.A. Story In this volume… Taunted by a cactus, a man copes with grief after the loss of his wife.  Alondra DeCourval visits Franz Kafka's grave to think about death. A lovestruck woman strives to connect with a man she's convinced is The One.  A short meditation on the haunting nature of love and loss, and the aftermath of both. Victor's sanity has been threaded together by the memory of his daughter's voice, until now, when her laughter falls silent. An adrenaline junkie believes he can take on the ultimate challenge—coming back from the dead. In our ever-changing world, what we view as a monster is constantly evolving…but at what cost? Bright colors may be beautiful, but sometimes they can be dangerous. Sometimes the darkness we harbor within is best left behind closed doors. A surprise wedding present from daughter to father, built over a lifetime, reveals his true nature to all his guests. While coming to terms with the death of his mother a man learns that he harbours a strange ability, one that could threaten to tear his reality apart.  A woman's last letter to her abusive ex-husband returns the favor of his tutelage. Lillian's search for her daughter's doll leads her on a journey through tragedy, loss, and madness.  The brutal murder a man's only child leaves him burdened with a question only he can answer.   Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

In Shallow Waters Vol.2, hidden realms are revealed, where shadows dance and the line between life and death is blurred. Dive deep into twenty-five unsettling tales that resonate with the pain and mysteries enveloped within our existence, unveiling the beauty lurking beneath each horrifying revelation. Shallow Waters stands as a manifestation of Crystal Lake Entertainment's visionary flash fiction contest. Every month, the call of the enigmatic shadows beckons writers to weave narratives teeming with the unknown. Only the most stirring are granted passage to Crystal Lake's Patreon page, a stage where aficionados and connoisseurs savor and decree the champions. This anthology presents to you the crème de la crème of these spectral tales, the ones that engraved their essence on the souls of the audience. Stay attuned for further explorations into the obscured, or traverse the macabre with Crystal Lake on Patreon, shaping the fates of upcoming volumes with your discerning gaze. Volume two harbors tales steeped in horror, thrillers, and suspense, exploring themes of life after death, the supernatural, and the chilling beauty underlying the macabre. Featuring works by notable authors, each story is a haunting symphony resonating with the mystique and allure of the unseen. In this volume, you'll traverse narratives where: The ghost of a loved one brings a poignant message on the eve of her funeral. A tale of fraternal love morphs into a haunting echo of resentment. Ancient entities find their existence threatened by the growth of malevolent beings. A man, desperate to escape his pursuer, finds unforeseen assistance from a valiant knight. A grieving mother captures the essence of her son in a peculiar, unforgettable manner. A confrontation with the phantoms of the past reveals the unforgiving nature of memory. A grieving woman's attempt to defy death leads her to the intricate dance of life and loss. A battle between humans and the undead culminates in an unexpected twist. Shallow Waters Vol.2 invites you to cross the threshold into realms untold, to glimpse the intertwined dance of sorrow and elegance. Embark on this haunting journey and unveil the myriad facets of existence in its most raw and enigmatic form. Will you brave the shadows to uncover the stories lurking within?

Shallow Waters—where nothing stays buried. With twenty-one dark tales diving beneath the surface of life, death, and the pain between them. Shallow Waters is the official monthly flash fiction contest hosted by the award-winning Crystal Lake Publishing. Every month a new theme is posted online, with authors submitting via email. The best submissions are then posted on Crystal Lake's Patreon page, where patrons read daily entries and vote for the winner. What you'll find in these Shallow Waters anthologies include the most popular of our finalists. Stay tuned for more volumes in this series, or find Crystal Lake Publishing on Patreon to enter or vote on future contests. Volume three includes horror, thrillers, suspense, and stories of hauntings, monsters, clowns, twisted love, and the beauty beneath it all. Introduction by Joe Mynhardt "Piece Meal" by Madeline Mora-Summonte "The Anonymous Dark" by Jonathan Winn "Number Seventeen" by Monique Snyman "For Her" by Jo-Anne Russell "Second Chances" by Rob Smales "Maker of Flight" by Richard Thomas "Inertia" by Joshua Hair "Malignant Roots" by Red Lagoe "Two to a Desk" by Dani Brown "The Comb" by Theresa Derwin "Echoes" by Megan Hart "Haunted Places" by Mark Allan Gunnells "Hallways, Long and Dark" by Dale Elster "The Chance of a Lifetime" by Pete Mesling "GOGGINS" by Stephen Crowley "Caoine" by Jennifer Loring "Hacked" By Mark Cassell & Patrick R. McDonough "Ghosts of the Wood" by Tim Meyer "Paid in Full" by Roberta Codemo "This Other Door" by Dan Rabarts & Lee Murray "Always and Forever" by Jay Faulkner In this volume… This Halloween, the girl might just get more than she bargained for. A gumball machine dispenses something far more sinister—and sweeter—than candy. Lessons don't always have to be taught in school. You never know what you'll find at the end of a dark hallway… A serial killer reminisces over his last victim. An Irish-American man come to terms with the legacy he leaves, thanks to the ancestral apparition that has haunted his family for centuries. Some relationships leave scars that linger even beyond death. When a Victorian actor's career comes to a sudden end due to a flare-up of gout during an opening-night performance at the Delphi Theatre, he is left with only one chance to exact revenge on the inflexible house manager. Stalked by shadows, a woman prowls the darkened halls of her longtime home. Her body found mutilated down the tin mines and pursued by her step sister, she scratches her hooks against the wall as her classmates disappear. Some curses are eternal and unbreakable. Inertia—a property of matter in which something moves at a set speed and direction until made to change by another force. After his dark soul took to the soil, evil plagued the roots of the family tree. Houses aren't the only places that can be haunted... A man hunches over a workbench, a basket of tiny birds chirping nearby, wondering if the sky is still blue. Charlie's luck turns around when a storm rolls in, but things aren't always as they seem when you find love on the sea. In the center of a once-beautiful, now derelict forest, the trees aren't the only things that are dead. Sometimes, till death do us part is just not enough. Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Shallow Waters—where secrets are buried, and nightmares are born. Dive into the depths of darkness with 21 chilling tales of horror and dark fiction in Shallow Waters Vol.4, the anthology series where morbid fates await and nothing stays buried. It's a collection of twisted love, karma, death, and spectral mysteries that promise to tear away the façade of the everyday and expose the haunting truths beneath. Shallow Waters is the official horror and dark fiction flash fiction contest orchestrated by the acclaimed Crystal Lake Publishing. Every month, a plethora of stories are submitted via email, each one darker and more twisted than the last. The finest, the most chilling are then chosen and featured on Crystal Lake's exclusive Patreon page, where readers and authors alike converge to witness the macabre brought to life. In these anthologies, you'll encounter not only the winners but also the most captivating of the finalists. For more eerie tales and to partake in future challenges, find Crystal Lake Entertainment on Patreon. In Volume Four, each tale is a journey through shadowy realms of the supernatural, of unrelenting suspense, and the forbidden corners of uncharted horror. Here, you'll find tales of haunted travels, corrosive karma, deadly love, and spectral entities, each one echoing the whispers of the damned and the allure of the unknown. In This Volume… Explore Russian shadows where horrors lie in wait. Witness the eerie aftermath of a man's life intertwined with the Great Emptiness. Discover what happens when love, the most potent of emotions, becomes an obsession. Venture into realms where urban legends contemplate their murderous fame, and more. and many more... Come uncover the secrets, experience the horrors, and dare to visit the shadowy corners of the unknown with Shallow Waters Vol. 4. Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depth.

Shallow Waters – where the unearthed and the unearthly intertwine, beckoning readers to discover the unknown. With 23 tales that navigate the eerie crossroads of horror, dark fiction, and the forbidden shadows of life and death, Shallow Waters Vol. 5 invites readers to explore the macabre mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of reality. Shallow Waters stands as the monthly flash fiction contest of award-winning Crystal Lake Entertainment, a destination where authors submit their most chilling tales, and the finest are featured on Crystal Lake's Patreon page for patrons to vote. These anthologies encapsulate not just the winning tales but the most thrilling finalists. Find more volumes and participate in future challenges with Crystal Lake Entertainment on Patreon. Volume Five is a harrowing journey through horror on the road, enigmatic graveyards, karma's relentless pursuit, the scars of war, and the sinister shades of Halloween. These horror stories will give you a glimpse into a realm where humanity intersects with the supernatural, where everyday landscapes hide sinister secrets, and the shadows whisper stories of the unknown. In This Volume… Traverse through mixed realms where the contents of a travel bag have their own life. Encounter ancient Navajo legends arising in the deserts of New Mexico, revealing the true cruelty of Man. Delve into the lives of a cemetery caretaker with a secret gift, and a dead body harboring the hopes of a second chance. Experience the struggle of a seasoned soldier in the war of love, making the most of his final battle, and much more. Immerse yourself in the enigma, embrace the unknown, and unlock the doors to the forbidden with Shallow Waters Vol.5. Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths

Dive into the spine-chilling realms of "Shallow Waters: Haunting Halloween Edition," where shadows linger, and nothing stays buried. This anthology emerges from Crystal Lake's renowned flash fiction contest to provide lovers of horror with 18 eerie tales perfect for Halloween.   Highlights Include: Haunted Halloween Tales: Traverse through suspenseful stories that resurrect the sinister spirits of Halloween, bringing spine-tingling narratives to life. A Fusion of Horror & Mystery: Each piece artfully melds elements of horror, mystery, and dark humor, promising a thrilling and ghoulish journey. Diverse Range of Stories: From the unnerving "Mummy's Boy" by Karen Bayly to the chilling "Apple Tree Man" by Roxie Voorhees, each story is a gateway to a distinct paranormal world. Seasonal Horror Tropes: Embrace classic horror tropes reimagined and relive the horrifying enchantment of Halloween. Perfect For: Fans of classic horror tales. Devotees of Halloween and spooky stories. Admirers of thrilling and mysterious narratives. Readers of sinister and eerie flash fiction anthologies. Let's Seal the Deal for You: Get ready for a journey through creepy landscapes, haunting houses, and mystical occurrences. Indulge in a diverse collection of flash fiction, blending horror, suspense, and dark humor. Satisfy your Halloween cravings with classic horror tropes and eerie narratives, all sprinkled with a dash of dark humor and candy. Whether you're a fan of scary stories, thrilling mysteries, or Halloween books, this anthology is bound to become a favorite Halloween tradition! This Halloween Horror Anthology includes: Introduction by Joe Mynhardt "Mummy's Boy" by Karen Bayly "Tumshie" by William Meikle "Arts and Crafts" by Madison McSweeney "The Halloween House" by Sheldon Woodbury "West Pennfield Township Newsletter, October 2021" by Tom Coombe "I Want Candy by Larry Hinkle "Let the Darkness In" by Ricki Whatley "Soul Cake" by Anthony D. Redden "The Pumpkin Fetch" by Tom Deady "Wishing" by Jay Bechtol "One Parent Survives" by Wil Dalton "Don't Eat the Candy" by Matt Bliss "The Red Scarf" by Rhea Rose "Shackled to the Shadows" by Richard Thomas "Apple Tree Man" by Roxie Voorhees "Smooth Man" by Kim Mannix "Sleepy Hallowed" by Joseph VanBuren "How to Create the Perfect Pumpkin" by Francesca Maria Don't miss this collection of Halloween horror stories! Experience the ghostly allure, delve into the mysterious, and face the unknown. The shadows are waiting, and the darkness is alive. Grab your copy now and let the haunting begin! Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Plunge into the concealed realms with Shallow Waters Vol. 8—where every shadow whispers tales and every silence has its stories. Curating 20 tales of Dark Fiction & Horror, this anthology unfolds the secrets lying beneath life and death, weaving tales surrounding the mysteries that flutter in the unseen. Shallow Waters is the celebrated monthly flash fiction contest by the multiple award-winning Crystal Lake Entertainment, winner of the HWA's Specialty Press Award. Every month introduces a new tapestry of fears, with authors contributing their tales to be featured on Crystal Lake's Patreon page, where patrons vote for their favored tales. Shallow Waters anthologies comprise not only the victorious tales but also those of the noteworthy finalists. Discover more volumes and participate in the upcoming challenges by joining Crystal Lake Entertainment on Patreon. In This Volume… Embark on a journey where a quick trip to the liquor store reveals more than just spirits, unveiling the hidden entities that reside in the shadows. Explore realms where monsters are not just creatures of nightmares but entities residing in our reflections. Dive into stories where the silent whispers of the riverfront tell tales of the unseen, and the dance of shadows reveals the unspoken. Uncover the tales where natural selection becomes the painter of fates, sketching the destinies in the canvas of the unknown. And many more... Shallow Waters Vol. 8 is an invitation to traverse the paths less traveled and to listen to the whispers of the shadows. From tales of the unseen to the dance of the shadows, each story is a fragment of the unknown, whispering the tales of the concealed. Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Dive deeper into the uncharted depths with Shallow Waters Vol. 7—where shadows shroud secrets and darkness whispers tales of the concealed. Presenting 23 tales of Dark Fiction & Horror, this volume pierces the veil between life and death, uncovering the enigma that dances in the shadows. Shallow Waters is the renowned monthly flash fiction contest orchestrated by the acclaimed Crystal Lake Entertainment. Each month unfurls a new realm of mysteries, inviting authors to weave tales that are subsequently featured on Crystal Lake's Patreon page, where patrons crown the winners through their votes. The Shallow Waters anthologies are a culmination of haunting tales from winners and notable finalists. Explore more volumes and engage in upcoming contests with Crystal Lake Publishing on Patreon. Volume seven draws you into riveting tales spun around isolation, tragic love, post-apocalypse, and sinister encampments, amongst others. In This Volume… Discover the concealed truths as two souls find their way back home, unearthing the secrets that time has buried. A journey to a drive-in reveals more than just a movie, peeling back the layers of reality and fiction. Witness the transformation of love into a beacon for the unseen, and the journey of souls through landscapes of despair. A post-apocalyptic world unveils the remnants of humanity, and a camp in the woods becomes the stage for tales of the eerie and the macabre. And many more... Shallow Waters Vol. 7 invites you to tread the unseen paths and explore the shadows of the unspoken. From tales of isolation to the whispers of lost love, every story is a fragment of the untold, waiting to pull you beneath the surface. Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.

Dive Deep One Last Time with Shallow Waters—Where Secrets Don't Stay Buried! Engulf yourself in 19 tales of horror and dark fiction, the final excursion beneath the surface of life, death, and the enigmatic shadows in between. This last installment unravels mysteries that dance on the delicate line between the real and the unimaginable. Shallow Waters has been the landmark flash fiction contest hosted by the multiple award-winning Crystal Lake Entertainment. Each month presented a new theme, a contest to authors to submit, and to readers to cast their votes on Crystal Lake's Patreon. This is the very last volume in the Shallow Waters series (but did you know there's now a paperback edition that contains 100 stories throughout the entire series). For those craving more, the journey doesn't end here. Join Crystal Lake Entertainment on Patreon. Immerse yourself in our community, participate, read, or vote in our monthly flash fiction contests. Dive deeper into the worlds of horror and dark fiction.   Special Announcement: For enthusiasts of the macabre, watch the shadows for a new anthology series launching Halloween, 2024: Hotel Macabre. This series will not only feature the winners of our flash fiction contests but will also open its creaking doors to short stories and poetry, expanding the realms of the horrific and the supernatural. If you have reveled in the Shallow Waters series, the evolution into Hotel Macabre is your next descent into darkness.   So don't miss the final plunge into the Shallow Waters. It's your last chance to explore the unknown with us, to witness the unfolding of the unseen. It's a journey you won't forget, a journey where every secret is unearthed, and no horror stays buried. Thank you to those fans who have read all the books in this series. We appreciate your support (be sure to leave a few reviews). ;-) Come, the shadows are waiting. Dive deep. Dive into the shadows one last time with Shallow Waters. And don't forget the huge paperback edition (351 pages of Horror Flash Fiction)! Proudly brought to you by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.