This collection of eight short stories showcases the multi-genre range of Chad Strong's writing. From Westerns and Suspense, to Fantasy and Supernatural, to Contemporary and Young Adult, each of these stories has been published before, but some are hard to find elsewhere. They are gathered here in one collection in response to the requests of readers. Thank you, and enjoy! MIXED GRAZING - A Collection of Short Stories Blue Sky and Gray Smoke - As Union soldier George battles for his life against a young Confederate, he realizes they're the only ones left alive. He must make new decisions - and stay alive to see them through. The Crossing - Rick Barton plans to take his loot and his reluctant woman north to Canada and a new life. So far, he's outrun the posse. Can he outrun his own choices? The Tracker - Young Will tracks his father's killer until he has him in his sights. Retribution, his father had preached, an eye for an eye. Now, Will would have it. Deadlock - Detective Tom Mallory must stop a madman who dismembered his brother to prevent another death. But will Mallory have to sacrifice himself to do it? The Churchyard Incident - Freddie fights to save his best friend from the evil disguised as the new kid in town. The Camas Fairy - A mature Dale returns to his boyhood sanctuary in nature to do the unthinkable - only to meet his childhood friend - a very real fairy. Stable Hands, Stable Hearts - Set to win his first Hi-Point trophy at the year's final horse show, Scott spots the girl of his dreams. Can he win both her and the trophy? The Decision - Jen has devoted the greater part of her life to her beloved horse, Phoenix. As age overtakes him, must she make that most final of decisions?
About the Author: Chad Strong is a Canadian author to whom the "Three R's" mean: Readin', Writin', and Ridin'- his greatest passions. Chad discovered the power of books at a young age and has been enjoying and learning through the written word ever since. He has been writing off and on as a hobby since his teens. The more years past, the more insistent became the drive to write, and in recent years he has pursued the craft more seriously. Still an avid reader, his main interests lie in westerns, fantasy, history, mythology, and literary classics. A dedicated horseman as well, his time and energy have always been divided by his two greatest passions - horses and books. Largely self-taught beyond high school, Chad's first bits of writing success came through short stories and non-fiction articles, with years passing between publications. Chad's first novel was graced with nominations for two distinct awards, and a few of his short stories have been chosen as readers' favorites. As with his reading preferences, Chad's writing does not adhere to any one particular genre. He writes the stories that hassle him, demanding to be told, be they western, fantasy, supernatural, suspense, young adult, or more mainstream. He admires the work of storytellers from across multiple genres; masters such as J.R.R.Tolkien, Jack London, Joseph Campbell, Matt Braun, Piers Anthony, Stephen King, Cormac McCarthy, John F.D. Taff, and many others. Chad has had the privilege of living in different parts of Canada: from the west coast to the Manitoba prairies, to southern Ontario. He is fascinated by the similarities and the differences between each region, its people and the natural environments, and likes to incorporate these elements into his writing. Chad's first novel, High Stakes, was nominated for a Peacemaker Award by the Western Fictioneers in the category of Best First Western Novel, and for a RONE Award by InD'Tale Magazine in the American Historical category. "High Stakes" appeals to both male and female audiences with its Western grit, Historical interest, and Romantic elements. Set in Victoria, BC, the novel has received favorable reviews, including one from noted Victoria historian, Norman K. Archer. To learn more, please visit the author's website at www.chadstrongswriting@weebly.com