Start Reading Here with Short Reads

Susan's Storyboard

I’m taking a break from novels to play with the interesting opportunities opened up by online serial publication here at Substack. This is where you’ll find my short fiction, short nonfiction, and experimental stuff. To read these pieces online or in your app, click on the episode links. All stories are free, so you’re welcome to share the links with friends. Supporting subscribers have access to premium extras and to the community discussions that follow each episode.

Myth, Magic, & Green Medicine
Notes on the forgotten ways humans have related to plants. Summer 2024

Lightning Protectors

Yaupon Holly: Wild Caffeine

Rue: An Herb for Second Sight

A Collage to Kill For: A China Bayles Papercraft Mystery

Episode 1. Paper-mache

Episode 2. Pressed Flowers and Paper

Episode 3. Floral Paper and Quilling

Episode 4. Collage

The Khat Who Became A Hero

1. Khat Goes AWOL

2. Khat Sends an Invitation

3. China Follows a Few Clues

4. The Further Adventures of Khat

5. “Was There Ever a Khat So Clever?”

The Rosemary Caper

1. China Bayles Gets an Assignment

2. Cora Suspects a Suspect

3. Jane Clark is Annoyed

4. A Secret Dark Side

5. Thumbscrews

6. Old Resentments Die Hard

Fannie and the Back Fence Gang

1. Fannie Airs a Hot Topic

2. Bad Feelings and Indian Ghosts

3. Weird Things Happen at the Back Fence

4. I-A-M-G-A-A

5. China Hits the Hot Button