Guest Blog by Matthew Barron
I’m very proud of my story in the Gifts of the Magi anthology!  The Longest Night hints at the fate of one of the characters in Valora, my sword sorcery book, but this story is completely self-contained.  People who read Valora will nod their heads at a couple of references, but there is no need to read my prior work to enjoy this story.

I was hesitant to submit to a holiday themed anthology.  My work doesn’t generally make people feel warm and fuzzy.  Even my happy children’s book has a bittersweet quality. Fortunately, this project presented itself when one project was winding down and before another revved up.  I took a few days to think over possibilities.  I dismissed a few ideas as being too clichéd or just too boring.   The idea that floated to the top initially seemed too dark, but I think I managed to craft a story that is exciting, creepy, and thought-provoking without straying too far into the abyss.

It is exciting to see my work alongside so many talented authors.  I will be seeing the other stories for the first time with other readers during the book release at Indy Reads Books on December fourth.  It is always exciting to see how different authors interpret a theme, but with this batch of writers, ANYTHING is possible.

All proceeds from this anthology will go to the Indy Reads adult literacy charity.  That’s something I can feel warm and fuzzy about!  My story helping fund a literacy program—stories leading to more reading!

So roast some chestnuts, pour some eggnog, and enter the varied worlds within Gifts of the Magi.  Be entertained while supporting a good cause.  I hope you enjoy my story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

For more information about Matthew Barron and samples of his work, visit http://submatterpress.com