Social Conscientiousness
The world of the 21st century is a very divided and unequal place. The current decade is beleaguered with grim situations the world over. Although many positive developments have taken place, and these include the reduction of poverty and mortality (for causes other than age) to all-time lows in relation to the world's population; nonetheless, because of population growth, the sheer numbers of people living in poverty, suffering and dying of curable diseases, being sold into and kept in slavery are at a record high. Coupled with the growing number of natural disasters fueled by our unsustainable way of life, and ongoing conflict in many places, the century is proving to be incredibly challenging and even disastrous. Quite simply, there are millions of people suffering and I feel that something ought to be done about it. For years, I felt like I couldn't do anything. I'm just one person and I don't have all that much money to contribute to causes I care about. Nonetheless, I still donate every little bit I can even if I know it's a drop in the ocean.
Since starting my journey as a published author in 2019, I have been able to take on a new and far more positive attitude. I am getting things done, like publishing a book I wrote 15 years earlier. What can I do about all the social and environmental issues that face this planet we call home? Well, here follow a few of my ideas... many of which have already reaped astounding rewards far more impactful than I could have ever imagined.
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This is a charity anthology in support of Palestinian children. The toll of war is a high one and to grow up suffering from PTS is crippling for a person's development. The aim of this anthology is to raise awareness about the toll of war on children and to support a charity directly contributing to the physical and mental well-being of Palestinian children. You will have a chance in this form to contribute to the selection of the specific charity this anthology will support.
The Children of War anthology is a multi-genre collection of short stories.
~ 4-8k words (8k is a hard limit as we have to limit the size of the anthology for the print edition)
~ one character needs to have experienced war during childhood. This does not have to be the main character of the story
~ all genres of fiction and personal memoir welcome. There will be a division of genres in the book's presentation
~ Please be sure to proofread your story to ensure the highest quality of your piece before submitting, and note that rewrites may be suggested by the editors contributing their time and expertise to this project. You will be expected to incorporate editorial requests.
~ Submission deadline: March 30 2026
~ Tentative publication in June 2026
Please Note: the aim is to publish exclusively on Amazon for the first year, which means your story has to be exclusive to this anthology until the end of that first year after publication. Following this, you are free to also publish your story in parallel, but your contribution to the anthology is permanent. All proceeds of this anthology will be going in perpetuity to the charity chosen by the selected authors, or another charity with a similar remit. You cannot expect to receive royalties for your contribution to the Children of War Volume 2 anthology.
If you are an editor and are willing to provide editing services for free to support this anthology, your support would be valued.
If you would like further information, please contact Astrid
Children of War Volume 2
Submissions Close: 30 March 2026
My Books raising funds for charity
What's In A Name Anthologies
Each volume in this series of Fantasy anthologies features 20 short stories by a whole range of different authors, each with a very different style. If you are looking for new authors whose work might appeal to you and at the same time support an important cause, this collection is definitely worthwhile.
It all started with a name generator, during an online event. Everyone had such fun with the crazy names created and the fun little prompts for a background to the character that the authors participating ended up challenging each other to write the story that belonged to the name they got. And we've kept up the fun ever since!
Double the name and double the magic, mystery, and mayhem
Once upon a time, a fairy tale name generator issued a challenge to a group of authors. Volume Two of these quirky stories brings double trouble.
In this clean YA anthology, spy on thieves discovering their princely identities, accompany villains seeking redemption along with accident-prone geese, and rejoice in the reunion of siblings separated at birth. Side with twins split between good and evil, giggle over mistaken identities, and discover the secrets of royal doppelgängers. When fates are intertwined by a namesake, mayhem and mischief are sure to follow.
Venture into this collection of adventurous stories by award-winning and up-and-coming authors and see if what happens once . . . happens twice!
Pssst…some characters from Once Upon A Name might make a comeback, but the two sets and all stories in them can be read as standalones.
All proceeds donated to charity in support of reading and literacy.
My contribution to this anthology is Star Dancer, an origin story for the phoenix in my fairytale retellings world featuring a setting inspired by Polynesian culture.
All good things come in threes.
Once upon a time, a group of authors accepted a challenge from a fairy tale name generator. Not once or twice but thrice! Volume three of these quirky stories features trios and triple threats. The rule of three reigns supreme.
In this captivating clean YA anthology, journey through the trials of triplet princesses. Brace yourself for triple mashup retellings and teams of three. Explore the secrets behind triple goddesses and third true names. Uncover the allure of magical artifacts grouped in threes. From three abduction attempts to three days of daring escapades, each story promises thrice the adventure and excitement.
Venture into this collection of fantasy tales by award-winning and up-and-coming authors and prepare to be thrice enchanted.
My contribution to this anthology is Lady of Forests and Seas, a short story linked to my novel, Johara's Choice, and featuring the three magical dogs from that retelling of The Tinderbox.
Once upon a time, a fairytale name generator spun a fourth challenge to a band of intrepid authors. This time, the wheel of fate turned fourfold, bringing new legends and adventures.
In this enchanting clean YA anthology, venture into tales where fate and fortune intertwine. Each story is a journey into the unknown, where magic, mystery, and adventure await. From quests filled with ghostly encounters, time loops that offer fourth chances, battles against ancient curses, and enchanted forests with hidden secrets, unlikely heroes emerge, and prophecies unfold in unexpected ways.
Whether it's siblings reuniting to save a kingdom, witches on a perilous mission, or fairytale elements reimagined in fresh and exciting ways, these characters face trials that test their courage and shape their destinies.
Prepare to be charmed by this collection of fantastical tales by award-winning and up-and-coming authors, and transported to realms where fortune favors the brave!
My contribution to this anthology is The Trials of Motu Pouri, a continuation of the greater story begun in Star Dancer and a tale connected to my retelling of a Maori folktale titled An Unbreakable Bond.
Not all that glitters is gold.
For the fifth time, a fairytale name generator inspired creativity in a diverse group of authors. From medieval kingdoms to futuristic worlds, this collection of clean fantasy stories will take you on a sparkly adventure where danger and fortune await.
Follow the ancient map to five islands filled with mystical riches. Join a young fae and his sidekicks searching for the golden dragon egg in an enchanted forest. Embark on the post-apocalyptic treasure hunt or travel into the past with the help of a coin to collect forbidden artifacts.
Root for the exiled prince to restore five golden corals and save the sea. Cheer the siblings on the pilgrimage to rescue their village and prove their worth. Sneak into a glittery fae masquerade where shiny slippers and hearts get lost. Catch a glimpse of the firebird as it feeds on golden apples.
Resolve the mystery behind disappearing names and memories or get spooked by the ghouls protecting treasure in the hunted house. Unlock a treasure box with a secret. Search for five golden rings. Watch the elven maid resist the golden greed and fulfill the prophecy. And much more.
My contribution to this anthology is The Golden Princess, a partial retelling of The Golden Bird, a lesser-known Grimm fairytale.
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Enchanted Anthologies Collection
This series of illustrated charity anthologies supporting environmental causes was the brainchild of Alice Ivinya, one of my absolute favorite indie fantasy authors. While she has since handed over the reins to others, I am immensely grateful to her for the belief that we could make a difference together and her trust in asking me to join the group. Each volume in this series features a different environmental theme that is also the basis for the charity we choose to support. It is truly an honor to be a part of this series and to see each new volume flourish with the stunning illustrations done by Elena Shelest.
If you play with fire, you might get burned...
Dig into this magical collection of short stories and discover among the embers ten fiery fantasy tales to set your heart ablaze.
Sneak past the ancient dragon as you steal from his hoard of gold and escape with the crown jewels. Journey deep into the Salamander Kingdom and follow the wyverns as they help the woodwitch to find the cure. Walk over earth scorched by a post-apocalyptic sun on a quest for survival, and find out why the firebird only eats golden apples. Watch the phoenix rise from the ashes and root for the golden dragon to woo his demigoddess in the Magic Kingdom.
Get this anthology hot off the press, and enjoy ten short fantasy stories by USA Today bestselling, award-winning and up-and-coming authors.
You'll find my retelling of the Slavic folktale behind the ballet, The Firebird, in this anthology. Golden Apples is a complete retelling of the story set in a pseudo-Ukranian part of my fairytale world.
Enchanted Waters is an illustrated anthology of short stories featuring magical water creatures and is raising money for the ocean-protection charity, Oceana. We hope these fantasy tales can inspire a new generation of readers to embrace our responsibility to take better care of our environment. We would like our writing to make a difference. Enchanted Waters has raised over $1000 since it released in July 2021.
My contribution to this anthology is The Naiad's Curse, a short piece related to my novel, Naiya's Wish, but told from the perspective of the miller, Nate, who makes a deal with the naiad. In essence, this is a short retelling of the original tale, The Nixie of the Mill-pond from the original point of view.
Enchanted Forests is an illustrated anthology of short stories featuring magical forests and woodlands, and the mythical creatures inhabiting them. Enchanted Forests raises funds to support Rainforest Foundation who work closely with indigenous peoples to protect the rainforests in which they live. We hope these fantasy tales can inspire a new generation of readers to embrace our responsibility to take better care of our environment. We would like our writing to make a difference. Enchanted Forests has raised over $500 since it released in July 2022.
My contribution to this anthology is Willow Daughter, a short piece related to my novel, Johara's Choice. Willow Daughter is a prequel providing a backstory to the fairytale The Tinderbox, and it is partly inspired by the beautiful song by Erutan: The Willow Maid.
High-flying adventure, magical mayhem, and new horizons are in the air.
Take to the stormy skies on the backs of dragons or the ancient thunderbirds. In this clean fantasy anthology, you’ll soar into fantastic realms and meet creatures drawn from myth and legend. A hippogriff, Pegasus, harpies, and so much more.
Inspired by tales from around the world, these short stories will propel you into adventures of murder, mystery, and vengeance. These award-winning, bestselling, and emerging authors will lift and inspire you and leave you wishing you had wings of your own.
All profits from this anthology will go to the Red Cross to support hurricane relief.
You'll find my story, Dragon Gold, a retelling of the Grimms' fairytale Star Money in this collection. It is a story briefly mentioned in The Destitute Countess, one of my novellas in The Wordmage's Tales series.
What waits in the shadows beneath the earth?
Delve into the depths of ten spellbinding stories where caverns breathe magic and ancient secrets stir. From glittering crystal grottoes to tunnels carved by forgotten hands, these tales reveal the beauty and lurking danger hidden below.
Encounter lost civilizations, creatures that flit just out of sight, and goddesses buried in stone. With chills, thrills, and just enough light to guide your way, this clean fantasy anthology offers the perfect blend of wonder and enchantment for the darkening days of fall.
All profits from Enchanted Caves will go to Bat Conservation International, supporting their global efforts to protect almost 200 bat species and the ecosystems they sustain.
In this anthology you get to read my story, Worn Shoes, a retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses and a sequeal to Golden Apples in Enchanted Flames.
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A future torn apart by war…
Adolescence lost to battle…
What becomes of those who lose their childhood to armed conflict?
In this anthology, a diverse group of authors from around the globe bring you a multi-genre collection of short stories exploring the experiences of children trapped in war, to honour those affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and support their healing in the future. No one’s potential should be crippled because of trauma inflicted during their most impressionable years, and yet an entire generation of Ukrainians is threatened with just this outcome.
All proceeds of this anthology will be donated in perpetuity to Voices of Children Foundation in Ukraine or another similar charity.
Stories included in this anthology:
A Child of Minidoka by Joan T. Seko
The Curse of Blood: An Ancient Legends Prequel by Lauren Lee Merewether
The Tarnished Key by Susan Stradiotto
Jonah by C. Borden
A Vampire’s Heart by I. Vélez
The Prince and the Flute Player by C Phillip
The War Legacy by Nandita Pant Joshi
The Dragon’s Demise by Daan Katz
The Borrowed Life by Elena Shelest
A Mermaid’s Tears by J.C. Seal
Through the Eyes of a Child by Pamela Floyd
Not Dead, Just Sleeping by Darrah Steffen
Child of Destruction by Astrid V.J.
Through Vira’s Eyes by MJ Krause-Chivers
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Enchanted Kingdoms was a limited edition set of 20 fairytale retellings put together by a team of 24 award-winning and best-selling authors. This set achieved the USA Today Bestseller listing and won Best Anthology of the Year at 2022 UTOPiAcon. It was a limited edition set, aiming to raise money for the children's autism charity, Puzzle Peace United. This charity works together with communities, schools, businesses and families to educate people coming into contact with children on the autism spectrum in order to help make the lives of these children easier and more rewarding. All proceeds of Enchanted Kingdoms went to Puzzle Peace United and we raised over $5 500 for this charity. For more information about the charity, see below.
My contribution to Enchanted Kingdoms was Naiya's Wish, my fourth book in the Elisabeth and Edvard's World series. This is a retelling of the Grimm Brothers' lesser-known tale, The Nix of the Mill-pond which I later re-published after this anthology was no longer available.
