I’m not just a children’s author. I also write short fiction for adults. I lean towards fantasy and microfiction. Here’s where you can read some of my work.
Phoenix Rising
Wildfire can be deadly to humans, but fire is vital to the boreal forest and the creatures that make it their home. “Phoenix Rising” was sparked by the devastating wildfires in British Columbia and Alberta. It is my contribution to a themed anthology called Fire: Demons, Dragons and Djinns.
This collection of fantastical tales was edited by Rhonda Parrish and published by Tyche Books in 2018. Fire: Demons, Dragons and Djinns was nominated for the 2019 Alberta Publishers Association Award in Speculative Fiction.
“Burning” to read it? Get it online at Chapters Indigo, Amazon, Blue Heron Books, or your favourite indie bookstore.
Buried in the Green
In 2013, my short story “Buried in the Green” earned a place in the Urban Green Man anthology. It’s a cautionary tale about a showdown between a mythological eco-champion and the forces of development and urban sprawl.
“Buried in the Green” joins 30 other stories and poems in a themed fantasy anthology about the legendary Green Man. It was edited by Adria Laycraft and Janice Blaine, and published by Edge Books.
Charles de Lint, one of Canada’s best fantasy authors, wrote the introduction. You can read his intro here, and explore the table of contents and some of Janice’s beautiful art, which accompanied every title page. I was thrilled to receive a reproduction of the piece that graced my own story.
Urban Green Man received wonderful reviews and 4 Aurora Award nominations. Pick up a copy at Amazon or Edge Books.
“‘Buried in the Green’ by Heather M. O’Connor reminded me of the Joan Aiken stories I grew up reading: a little macabre, a bit wistful, wryly humorous.” Nameless Zine
“Pagan readers and urban fantasy fans, especially young adults, will enjoy this look at timeless themes of balance and wildness.” Publishers Weekly
One Foot in the Grave
Geist Magazine runs a postcard story contest every year. Unlike other microfiction contests, the Literal Literary Postcard Story Contest actually asks for a postcard!
In 2013, I submitted “One Foot in the Grave.” This spooky little short short received honourable mention. Read it online.