02/02/2026 Author Notes Series: Family Ties
- Candace Nola
- Feb 2
- 1 min read
Family Ties is a short story that I wrote for the TUMBLE BLEED Anthology, edited by Merrill David in conjunction with the Texas Reader and AuthorCon.
This short story takes a couple of unexpected twists and turns as a lonely young woman, Nash, is looking for any means of escape from an abusive foster home. Dealing with the loss of her mother, struggling with the fresh hell that her life has become, and desperately trying to find her place in the world, Nash flees from the trailer into the unforgiving landscape of the dessert, seeking a peaceful spot where she can hide for the night.
Nash climbs high into cliffs that surround the canyon, finds a quiet spot, and gives in to her grief, and finally sleep. Later, she is woken up by the sound of horses, a mysterious woman on a huge black stallion leading several other riders and a plea to come with them. As she refuses, Nash finds herself swept up by two of the woman's companions just as gunshots ring out behind them. With no choice but go along for the ride, Nash finds herself in another time, surrounded by something new, and discovering what family really means.
It's short so I don't want to say more but Nash is one of my favorite characters and this story was a lot of fun to write.
You can find it here:
Comments