New Everything, Everywhere

Out of the Shadows

It's been a very long time since I ran a blog. It's been a very long time since I used my own domain. It's been a very long time since I did anything to promote myself, my work, my abilities, a decline in presence since 2020. Part of that was due to COVID. Part of that was due to closing Five Rivers Publishing other than a press through which I could publish my own writing, brought about because of family obligations. And part of that was due to being targeted not only by bots and hackers, but by individuals bent on a destructive, malicious campaign. 

But you can stay in the shadows only so long before you wither. And despite age and health, I still have vigour, I still have voice and vision. So, at the prompting of my ever-wise son, and with his monumental assistance, here I am under my own domain, my own store offerings, and my own blog. I owe you, dear son.

A New Collection

I am ever so pleased to announce a new collection of short, speculative fiction, Dreams of the Earth, 20 works of short, speculative fiction, most of which have appeared in publications across North America and the United Kingdom. The collection also includes a series of my watercolours, many of which you can find right here on this website. The trade paperback version is in B&W with high-quality white paper to give better definition to the art. The e-book and hardcover editions are in full colour. There is also an audiobook version available.

The Stories

What if you were the last gardener from Earth? Or perhaps you've been called to pay the toll to cross the river to your final destination. But, then, maybe you've run out of luck, out of resources, and out of time on Christmas Eve, only to find yourself courted by three spirits in the back seat of your pickup, in a blizzard, in Quebec City. Perhaps, you're a young factor at York Factory in the 18th Century, facing the implacable face of winter.

I explore the isolation and vast geography of the Canadian landscape, how our national identity has been shaped by that magnitude. Stories run through multi-layered, often nuanced, and consistently complex relationships between people and environment, exploring themes through fantasy, science fiction, magic realism, and horror.

Prepare to continue the Dream....

Dreams of the Earth is available here on this website, as well as through your favourite online bookseller, library, and special order through your local bookstore.

Honest reviews are always welcome. 

A New Website

Taking the advice of my son, who besides having an intense background as a media and marketing professional, also operates a cool custom 3D printing business called Northforge, I've enlivened my personal domain lorinastephens.com where visitors can peruse my books, paintings, and professional services, as well as read updates and reviews through a reactivated, moderated blog. 

Also decided to employ Shopify to not only facilitate a secure shopping cart, but also to ensure Canadian digital sovereignty in light of the current global political climate. 

The site is by no means complete. Lots of tweaks yet to come. But it's a start, and I hope you'll find it a good one.

A Word About My Paintings

The paintings I offer for sale through this website are all framed in wooden frames, with plexi, and archival backing boards. I choose to frame in wood because it's lighter than metal, and thus less expensive to ship. I choose to use plexi because it's shatterproof, and doesn't give a green or blue cast to the paintings the way glass can. Archival backing boards are just common sense, because I don't want acid papers to cause foxing (acidic sizing or poor bleaching agents used when making paper which react slowly with the environment.)

In the Coming Weeks

There will be further development of this website. There may be an interview, either written or video, posted here, regarding Dreams of the Earth. My YouTube Channel may be enlivened. Still thinking about that one. And I hope to connect with my followers through Facebook and Gander. As soon as I have that information I'll post here on the blog.

Thanks for reading. Thanks for following. Wishing you contentment and good health.