For more than 40 years, the Orange County Fictionaires has been a creative home to dozens of professional writers, including bestselling authors Elizabeth George, T. Jefferson Parker, Debra Holland, and National Book Award winner Neal Shusterman. The Fictionaires began in a time when members wrote on typewriters and submitted hard copy manuscripts to agents and editors. While the digital age has changed the process of publication, the tenets of great fiction continue to be nurtured in our members: deep characterization, compelling story structure, vibrant word choice, and originality. In this book, you will discover a collection of fine fiction crafted by some of Orange County's finest authors. There's talent, yes. As well as skilled, experienced storytelling. But there's also something more: A spark of exhilaration that arises from the encouragement and enthusiasm of our fellow Fictionaires. Welcome to the inner circle