The Story Hunters Anthology - Volume 2

<p>We conjure a lot of fantastical scenarios within The Story Hunters.</p><p>Fairy rings zombie holocausts killer nanobots possessed washing machines intergalactic world-conquering mothers-in-law.</p><p>None of them however measure up to the real-life events of 2020.</p><p>Way way back in February of this year our little writers' group officially launched its first anthology; a few weeks later...the world came to a grinding halt.</p><p>There was panic.</p><p>Hysteria.</p><p>A mad scramble-not just for toilet paper but to try and make sense of it all.</p><p>Daily lives were upended overnight. People were cut off from loved ones and workmates and social circles.</p><p>As writers we accept isolation as a necessary (often welcome) part of our toolkit. But during a time when entire countries were shutting down it was important for The Story Hunters to carry on.</p><p>So like a lot of organisations we adapted.</p><p>The wheels were kept turning until they found traction once more. Our meetings shifted from a physical space to the digital realm. Despite the surrounding turmoil-or perhaps because of it-the ideas churned. The words flowed.</p><p>And out of all the chaos and uncertainty our second anthology was forged.</p><p>This book right here.</p><p>The seventeen stories within run the gamut of speculative fiction.</p><p>There be witches bothersome spirits vampiric mutations as well as werewolves of a different breed.</p><p>You'll be transported to alien jungles distant planets haunted hotspots one or two apocalyptic worlds and perhaps the most terrifying scenario imaginable (for me anyway): an Earth without coffee.</p><p>On a final note contributing to this anthology has been a joy and privilege. I can't speak for the rest of the group but having this project to focus on-being able to share my passion for spec-fic writing with a bunch of like-minded individuals-has been one of the bright lights in an otherwise murky year.</p><p>Here's to the power of stories. The magical glue of words. And to the tales that await beyond this page.</p><p>I hope you enjoy reading them as much as we enjoyed the writing.</p><p>Michael</p><p><br></p>