First published 2014
This collection presents four original fantasy and science fiction stories alongside detailed documentation of their creation process. Brandon Sanderson contributes "Sixth of the Dusk," set in his Cosmere universe, where a trapper on the lethal island of Patji faces predators that can read minds and discovers threats beyond the natural world. Mary Robinette Kowal offers "A Fire in the Heavens," following refugee Katin as she seeks her people's ancestral homeland and uncovers the truth about the eternal moon governing the Center Kingdom. Dan Wells presents "I.E.Demon," where an EOD team field tests mysterious technology in Afghanistan without knowing its true capabilities. Howard Tayler rounds out the fiction with "An Honest Death," featuring bodyguards protecting a biotech CEO who has developed a cure for aging. The Writing Excuses hosts include complete brainstorming transcripts, workshop sessions, early drafts, revision details, and creation essays for each story.
Genres: short-stories, science-fiction, fantasy
Vibes: atmospheric, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: Patji, Center Kingdom, Afghanistan
367 pages · Hardcover · Dragonsteel Entertainment