Explore the latest books of this year!
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Arlene F. Marks

    Arlene F. Marks discovered her muse early, crafting fantastical tales that hinted at a lifelong passion for storytelling. Balancing writing across diverse genres with a career in education, she now devotes herself full-time to her craft. Her current focus is on expansive space opera narratives that delve into humanity's future. Marks weaves intricate worlds and compelling characters, offering readers thought-provoking explorations of the human condition.

    Story Crafting
    The Bloodstone
    The Earthborn
    Weekends Can Be Murder
    Wordsmithing
    Adventures in Godhood
    • 2024

      The Bloodstone

      • 366 pages
      • 13 hours of reading

      In a fresh take on vampire lore, this book reimagines the classic creatures with unique characteristics and motivations. The story delves into their complex society, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the struggle for acceptance. As the characters navigate their world, they confront societal norms and personal dilemmas, challenging preconceived notions of good and evil. This captivating narrative invites readers to see vampires in an entirely new light, blending horror with thought-provoking commentary.

      The Bloodstone
    • 2023

      The Earthborn

      • 314 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      In this reimagined take on vampire lore, traditional characteristics are turned on their head, presenting a fresh perspective on these iconic creatures. The narrative delves into the complexities of their existence, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the struggle between humanity and monstrosity. Readers will encounter unique characters that challenge stereotypes, leading to a gripping story filled with unexpected twists and deeper philosophical questions about life and death.

      The Earthborn
    • 2022

      Weekends Can Be Murder

      • 316 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of a murder mystery theatre, the story unfolds as the line between performance and reality blurs. Characters find themselves entangled in a web of intrigue and danger, where the stakes are life and death. As secrets are revealed and tensions rise, the cast must navigate their own hidden motives while unraveling the true mystery behind the chilling events. This gripping narrative explores themes of deception, trust, and the darker side of human nature.

      Weekends Can Be Murder
    • 2022

      Grimmer Tales

      Volume One

      • 260 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Set in a richly imagined universe, this sci-fi/fantasy narrative explores a revival of ancient powers and technologies after two centuries of dormancy. The story follows a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world reshaped by forgotten lore and emerging conflicts. Themes of rebirth, the clash of old and new, and the quest for identity are central to the plot, inviting readers to delve into a journey that challenges the boundaries of reality and imagination.

      Grimmer Tales
    • 2022

      Imaginary Friends

      • 238 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Exploring themes of personal struggle and cosmic isolation, this collection features diverse narratives set in extraterrestrial colonies and a science-themed art installation facing imminent disaster. Readers will encounter a troubled teen caught in an ancient conflict between good and evil, as well as a grieving rabbi navigating the depths of space. Each story reveals unique, intimate perspectives on the fantastical worlds and challenges faced by the characters, blending science fiction with deeply human experiences.

      Imaginary Friends
    • 2021

      Adventures in Godhood

      • 290 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      When the god in the machine turns out to be a trickster hanging out in a clothes dryer...A rash of exploding pigeons (and one self-detonating rat) signal the beginning of a strange quest for Toronto Police Detective Marty Breck and undergrad student Ellie O'Toole. Brought together by her 9-1-1 call about a haunting at a laundromat, they meet an entity calling itself Demonai.Ellie and Marty quickly learn that their encounter is only the tip of the iceberg. Soon, they are launched on a search for answers, travelling across Ontario and figuratively back in time as they track down the trickster god's past victims and accomplices.Yet it seems that more than curiosity has drawn Demonai to study humanity. The continuing existence of the entire third dimension may depend on the results of his experiments, and perhaps the fate of his own kind as well.

      Adventures in Godhood
    • 2020

      The Identity Shift

      • 284 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      Set four years post-Corvou war, the narrative delves into the ongoing struggle for Humanity's survival. The story explores the aftermath of conflict, focusing on the resilience of characters as they navigate a world fraught with challenges and uncertainty. Themes of perseverance, sacrifice, and the quest for hope are central as they confront new threats and forge alliances in their fight for a better future.

      The Identity Shift
    • 2015

      Setting and Description

      • 166 pages
      • 6 hours of reading

      Setting and Description focuses on the effective use of descriptive writing techniques to depict a story setting. Students practice first-drafting, editing, polishing and sharing original scenes and stories set in realistically described times and places.

      Setting and Description
    • 2014

      Story Crafting

      Classroom-Ready Materials for Teaching Fiction Writing Skills in the High School Grades

      • 242 pages
      • 9 hours of reading

      Focusing on the art of storytelling, this resource offers English and Writing teachers a collection of effective strategies for guiding students in crafting, editing, and refining short stories and longer prose. Designed for Grades 9 through 12, it complements existing curricula with practical, classroom-ready techniques that enhance both writing skills and literary analysis. The buffet-style organization allows educators to select the most relevant methods for their teaching needs.

      Story Crafting
    • 2014

      Enjoying Literature

      Classroom Ready Materials for Teaching Fiction and Poetry Analysis Skills in the High School Grades

      • 292 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      The book emphasizes close reading and analysis of various literary forms, including prose fiction, poetry, and short nonfiction. It can be used independently or alongside other works like STORY CRAFTING and WORDSMITHING, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding and appreciating literature.

      Enjoying Literature