The goal: A new short story, every weekday, for a year. That's about 260 stories, for anyone keeping count. This is Volume #1, covering January and February stories. Inside you'll find a mix of Fantasy, Literary and Science Fiction, occasionally seasoned with a dash of Horror. Every now and again though, I'll share some more experimental stuff. I really hope you enjoy it!

Inspired by the non-fictional, historical lives of Sir Joseph Banks, Nicolas Baudin, Captain William Bligh, Matthew Flinders and John Macarthur, this 'coming of age' story is set at the dawn of the nineteenth century. It describes Charlotte, an English orphan, being saved from unimaginable misery by a young Irish Catholic priest, Reverend Sean Simmons. Charlotte cannot dream that she is about to embark on a fantastic journey that will take her from the manored estates of gentrified England to the brutal convict settlement on Terra Australis. Navigating the mire of desperate circumstances and characters she encounters along the way will test her mettle and spirit. Yet, meeting the strange and enigmatic Charlotte will also test every person who encounters her on the journey in unpredictable and uniquely different ways. Charlotte, it appears, brings change; nothing is the same again - least of all, the future Australian colony she longs to call home.

How do I get more reads, votes, and comments? If you find yourself asking that question, then I have some answers for you. What can you do to reach out to readers and potential readers? How can you encourage readers to comment and vote? What are all the different ways you can promote your stories? This #1 ranking guide is written by a Wattpad ambassador and especially geared for new Wattpad authors. Lots of tips, advice, and personal opinions await you - including everything thing I've done to promote my own Watty's finalist and winning stories - but only if you turn the page. Reader testimonial by @AyushiPandey-- 'I read your guide for Wattpad success when I first started writing my story last year in August, and now it has been an entire year when I stumbled upon it again. I just have to say, I loved reading it again, it has the best tips one can find (take it from me, I have read many, many guides here). Thank you so much for taking out your time to compile such an amazing book!' Reader testimonial by @suspishfishy-- 'I have to thank you again! As soon as I wrote a book that focused on what I wanted to write, instantly people started to read my books and give me feedback!' **THIS IS NOT A PLACE TO ADVERTISE YOUR STORY. This is where you'll find detailed instructions for the proper places to advertise and find readers. If you ask people to read your story here, your comment will be removed.** Thanks to @EnjxiiBlxck for the cover.

2016 WATTY AWARD WINNER - HQ LOVE THE TERM SHEET is a fast-paced technothriller about entrepreneurship, startups, encryption, and the delicate balance between national security and individual privacy. Its complex characters explore thought-provoking questions about the role of technology in an ever-changing society. Step into the high-stakes game played by today's technology innovators, who push the envelope and risk it all. Get ready, this thrilling book gives you a taste of what startups are really like. _____________________________________________________ David Alexander, a young programmer in Portland, Oregon, loathed his job. Computer programming had always come naturally, but being an employee never suited him. So he tried entrepreneurship instead. After making a series of embarrassing blunders, David finally hit on a startup idea that stuck: encrypted chat. Sure there were alternatives, but as Edward Snowden has shown us, most of them (willingly or unwillingly) have backdoors for spies and bad guys. A new approach made David's app one of the most secure options out there, which caught the attention of many people, including Shawn Douglas from the Secret Service. Shawn Douglas worked with eight different presidents, preventing twenty assassination attempts, forty-three terrorist plots and two bullets. When he was promoted to a desk job overseeing and organizing travel, he picked up on a cryptic email thread that hinted at a threat to the President's life. In a race to unravel the conspiracy, Shawn and David both have to make some difficult decisions. Will Shawn stop the terrorists in time? Will David be able to navigate his startup out of a crisis and keep his entrepreneurial dream alive? Or will fate deal them both a crushing hand? Read the book to find out.

How much are you willing to sacrifice to make your dream of being a famous singer come true? Gabriel never really thought about it until he entered a tv music competition. (Larry AU)

A corrupt sheriff hires a ruthless vigilante to hunt down a murderer during the modern day North Dakota oil boom in this crime thriller full of unexpected twists and turns.

(Chapter 1 only) In the winter of 1941-1942, Leningrad is under siege, and Karen Hamilton, a seventeen-year-old American musician, finds herself trapped and struggling to survive. Throughout the city, people are dying of starvation and frostbite, and Karen knows that if she doesn't escape immediately, she will share their fate. If she has any hope of leaving Russia and reuniting with her fiancé, Bobby, in New York, she must do the impossible: cross enemy lines and then stow away. On her harrowing journey, Karen encounters Petr, a young conscripted Russian soldier. She isn't sure she can trust him-he is equally wary of her. But as the two join forces in order to stay alive, an unexpected romance takes root. Now, as Karen gets closer to the reality of escape, she has a choice to make: Will she return to a safe life in America with Bobby, or remain in war-torn Russia with Petr? This is a sample chapter of the book that will be available October 18 from Lake Union Publishing.

Rome's hunger for gladiatorial combat has never been greater. The passion for novelty in the arena has given rise to a range of warriors but none quite like Krista; sole survivor of her family's brutal murder, Krista is now the property of Commander Niclaus and is sent to train and fight in the arena for his pleasure. Guided by her friend and mentor Lazarus, Krista's deadly combat skills earn her the adoration of the public and the respect of fellow gladiators; including the mysterious Artorius. Fighting for her freedom, Krista will do anything to break her chains and kill the Commander who slaughtered her family and put her there. But Krista's pride and skill earn her powerful enemies. Krista will have to navigate a web of betrayal and pain if she is to overcome being the pawn of other people and win her freedom to avenge her family. ~~~~~~~~~~~ From the sands of the arena, the ultimate female warrior will rise. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Book 1 of the 'Gladiator Series' Highest Ranking in 'Historical Fiction' #1 Wattpad Featured Story Currently editing. *** ALL RIGHTS RESERVED *** Content Warning: The story you are about to read is intended for mature readers due to its content. It may not be appropriate for all audiences. Please read at your own discretion. All characters are fictional. Copyright.

"Do you know what to do, Amunet?" A voice as sweet as silk whispered into the young girl's ear. Amunet didn't look over her shoulder, but shifted uncomfortably on her bare feet before nodding her head. A soft hand touched her back and urged her forward. All eyes turned towards the girl dressed in transparent linen with her dark hair tumbling down her back and her violet eyes lined by kohl. Every movement caused the jewels on her wrists and ankles to dangle and shimmer in the light. She raised her head and found the Pharaoh's transfixed stare. His jade eyes narrowed in on hers and the room became still and silent. Amunet bowed and, at the pluck of a harp string, began to dance. --- DISCLAIMER: this story is NOT historically accurate. It does not take place in any real time period and therefore there will be inaccuracies and areas that don't make sense in the context of "ancient Egypt." CONTENT WARNING: though this story is not explicit (sexual or otherwise), it does mention more mature themes that may be troubling to some readers, including but not limited to forced prostitution and miscarriage. cover by @Addietay