Between riding a historic steam train, exploring old mining sites, and preparing for the release of my short story in an upcoming Utah horror anthology, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about the people who carved out lives in the rugged landscapes of the American West. The history, hardships, and legends of those places continue to inspire my imagination and remind me why I love telling stories rooted in the region.
Desert Flower Joins Blood in the Sandstone
I’m thrilled to share that my short story, “Desert Flower,” will be featured in the upcoming Utah horror anthology, Blood in the Sandstone.
“Desert Flower” takes readers into a frontier setting where appearances can be deceiving and justice isn’t always delivered in the way people expect. Like many Western tales, it explores survival, resilience, and what happens when someone who’s been underestimated for far too long decides they’ve had enough.
Being included in this anthology is both an honor and a milestone in my writing journey, and I’m excited to share the story with readers.
The anthology is now available for preorder, and I can’t wait for readers to experience the stories within its pages.
Save the Date: October 3 Book Launch
To celebrate the release of Blood in the Sandstone, several contributing authors, including myself, will gather for a book launch event on October 3 at Barnes & Noble in Salt Lake.
The event will include author readings, opportunities to meet the writers behind the stories, and book signings. It promises to be a fun evening for horror fans, readers, and supporters of Utah’s literary community. More details will be shared as the event approaches on my author Instagram page.
Stepping Back into the Old West
While preparing for publication, my family and I recently took a trip aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad.
This experience offered a glimpse into the era of railroads, mining camps, and mountain communities that helped shape the American West. Crossing Devil’s Gate Bridge aboard a steam train nearly 100 feet above the canyon below was unforgettable. The sound of the engine, the scent of coal and steam, and the dramatic scenery made it easy to imagine what life might have been like for travelers more than a century ago.
For a writer working on stories inspired by the West, it felt like the perfect place to daydream.
Mining History and Magic Moments
One of the highlights of the trip was watching my kids experience the excitement of the frontier firsthand.
From exploring historic silver mines to panning for gold, they eagerly embraced every opportunity to learn about the people who once chased opportunity and fortune across the West. Seeing their curiosity and wonder made me appreciate these pieces of history even more.
My Unexpected Damsel-in-Distress Moment
Ironically, while spending time immersed in Old West history, I found myself having a very brief “damsel in distress” moment of my own.
I suddenly felt faint during our excursion and quickly discovered that altitude and adventure don’t always mix. Thankfully, the Georgetown Loop crew was incredibly kind and helpful, and I recovered quickly.
The Perfect Basecamp
A huge shoutout goes to Hampton Inn & Suites Aurora, for providing the perfect basecamp for our adventures.
After long days exploring the mountains, riding trains, and chasing new experiences, it was wonderful to have a comfortable place to recharge before the next day’s adventures.
Looking Ahead
The coming months promise to be exciting as Blood in the Sandstone makes its way into readers’ hands and we celebrate its release with Collective Tales Publishing.
If you’d like to support the anthology, I encourage you to preorder your copy and watch for additional details about our book launch. I look forward to connecting with readers who enjoy stories where the beauty and danger of the West collide.
Until then, here’s to desert daredevils, damsels in distress, and the stories waiting to be discovered beyond the next bend in the trail.
xoxo,
Michaela Rae
