Next Chapters Unleashed: A beachy anthology

There is definitely something for every reader in this collection; light and fun, dark and serious, dystopian, fantasy, romance, suspense, and more.

Challenge to our authors: Write a story that includes a beach, a dog, and a next chapter of life for the main character. The stories submitted were as varied and diverse as the international group of women who accepted the challenge.

Our challenge to you: read a little of everything, and see if you find your new favorite author or genre. Best read on the beach.

Order your copy here!

Meet the authors:

Next Chapters Unleashed is the first anthology collaboration by members of Unleashing the Next Chapter’s online and international writers’ organization. We are proud to introduce you to debut authors, bestselling authors, award-winning authors, and those in between. Below each author’s photo/logo, name, and story title, you will also find a quick blurb that identifies the genre and will entice you to read more. Click on the highlighted author’s names to jump to their websites or social media homes.


“More Than An Inheritance”
by K. B. Butler

Beer connoisseur Blake Gibson learns that mixing family secrets, a surprise inheritance, and a handsome brewmeister distills into a heady combination in this contemporary romance.

“The Last Heist”
by Melyssah Colerangle

Desperate for funds for his ailing dog, master thief Dominick comes out of retirement for one “Last Heist,” but doesn’t plan on the museum director’s interference in this suspenseful caper tale.

“Sand Castle Dreams”
by Sonja Fröjdendal

Although bad news interrupts Izzy’s holiday with her rambunctious dogs, she finds new opportunities and an unexpected friendship in this female/female contemporary romance.


“The Rival and The Rescue”
by Clarissa Gosling
Formatting & Publishing

Samira anxiously awaits the results of the Phoenix Designation in this YA epic fantasy.

“The Culling” and
“The Lonesome Beach”
by J. Lynn Hicks

A life or death test awaits a teenage girl in a dystopian world.

and

This series of journal posts documents a lone survivor’s return to the beach and her experience with grief and loss of her pet in this post-apocalyptic tale.

“The Lure of ‘The Ear'”
by Lisa Holcomb

Rae reports for her first day on the job at a Texas museum with the enigmatic director, Dr. Magnuson, and his adventurous daughter in this magical realism story.


“Reunited”
by Jennifer Kayne

Clara gets reacquainted with Anthony, the carpenter, and his Labrador, Merlin, while helping modify her grandmother’s beach-side home in this sweet contemporary romance.

“Spring Break Escape”
by Kathryn McClatchy
Marketing & Social Media

Running away from her abusive foster family, Staci nearly jumps from the frying pan into the fire, as she encounters would-be kidnappers on her journey to shape the future she’s always hoped for in this contemporary story.

“Hellhounds and Hamsters”
by Jackie O’Connor
Cover and Graphic Designs

In this light-hearted fantasy, Evie and her fiery pup, Arlo, interview for an apprenticeship with a potions master.


“Aunt Elsie’s Poodle”
by Lori Lee Peckham

This creative nonfiction story centers on a rescued poodle who inspires the women in her adopted family to expand their horizons.

“Bye Bye Pie”
by Kelley Rene
Project Manager

When Brooke’s old rival Kinley runs into her–literally–while en route to a job interview, she confronts the past and explores her complicated feelings about him in this women’s fiction piece.

“Introduction”
Sara-Meg Seese
Managing Editor

(Although Sara didn’t contribute a story of her own, she had a hand in every one of the sixteen stories in this collection.

THANK YOU, from all of us! 💐 ~~ km)


“Lost, Then Found”
by Tiffany Seitz

Sara, grieving the death of her beloved Doberman, is nudged back to her dubious career in this paranormal suspense.

“Forever Home”
by Jessica White

In this magical realism story, Lila meets an eccentric real-estate agent who promises to help her find her “Forever Home.”

“Little Sister”
R. K. Wood

A family vacation takes a paranormal twist when Hillary and her sister attend a late night beach party. As alcohol and hormones mix, romance blossoms–and fur flies.


Order your eBook here!

Paperback available through Amazon!