Stephen Gold's Writing Projects

On the Market

"The Fish Singer" (high fantasy novella)

An unwanted girl comes of age on a tropical island. After she reveals her uncanny ability to sing fish into her father’s net, she finds the courage to pursue her dream of a better life on the Mainland.

"A Different Kind of Divorce: Love, Loss and Cohousing" (autobiographical essay)

Two parents divorce on the eve of moving into their planned community.

"Early Treatment" (humorous sf short-short)

Kidnapped by a time-traveler, a young man learns more about his future than he wants to know.

"Must Go On" (humorous horror short-short)

As one of the last few mortals in a world overrun by undead, John Starr tours the Undead States, entertaining skeletons and vampires with his guitar. Unfortunately, he harbors an abiding prejudice against zombies, and it nearly ends his career.

"The Wild Man" (speculative novella)

In a world run by women, a man runs away from home in search of dignity but has to settle for self-respect.

On the Drawing Board

Midrisas (high fantasy novel)

Raised as a ward of the Goddess’s temple, Midrisas never quite fit in. Then the loss of her best friend launches her on a journey to discover her lofty heritage and sorcerous powers. To end the domination of her world by men, she seeks out the alien parasite that held her people in thrall.

"Singing Lessons" (alternative universe short story)

Billy is too young to remember the 1965 revolution and the Supreme Court ruling that declared vocal music obscene. All he knows is that he loves to sing for a crowd, even though it's illegal. Out of jail on probation, he's faced with a dilemma when his best friend asks him to give music lessons to her 11 year-old daughter, who grew up in Canada and aspires to be an opera singer.

"Like a Precious Vase" (short story)

Hideki is proud to support his daughter's ambition to become the first 17 year-old girl to win the prestigious Honinbo go title, but during the final game of the title match, his life starts to unravel.

"The Dentist's Chair" (humorous short-short)

I contemplate possible dire consequences of my lax dental hygiene.

"A Small World" (alternate history short story)

An alternate history in which North America does not exist. In the 10th century, Chinese explorers discover Iceland and start to colonize it, much to the consternation of the native Europeans. Leif Eiriksson, returned to his homeland after years in Kaifeng, must decide whether to collaborate with the colonists or help destroy them.

"Dr. Libby's Minotaur" (fantasy short story)

Dr. Libby, the despotic ruler of Maize County, PA, keeps a man-eating monster in the abandoned mine beneath his mansion. Young Donny Foster, who feels strangely akin to the beast, risks his life to end the menace.