Sheri Yutzy - Speculative Fiction Author

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F O U N D – #flashfictionmagic

July 2, 2020 by Sheri

“Orland found her in the Outback Rocks.”

The words always burrowed under Annie’s skin like poisoned roots.

Tanner Village spread below her, a handful of humped houses and a blacksmith’s forge. What origin could they boast?

Her thoughts sank the closer she came. Her produce basket cut into her elbow. If she and Orland could live without the villagers’ business, they would. But a garden couldn’t produce oil or clothes for winter, which already chilled the air.

“Gone.” Lee Smith stormed from the forge, hammer clenched. “Someone’s taken my silver.” His voice rose to a shout. Murmuring villagers stepped out of doorways.

“Settle down there, Lee.” Timmons Ard held out his hands. “Could be lost.”

“I counted it not an hour ago.” He gestured back with his hammer. “Went into the back to get more wood, left the front open. When I looked again, my chest was empty.”

“Did you lock it?” Missus Allen called.

“Lock it every time.” He spun to take in the whole crowd. “Now which of you was it?”

Annie shrank back, but his gaze landed on her. “You. You’re from the Outback, you know your way around silver.”

“I just arrived.” She shook her basket. “I had no time for stealing.”

“Likely.” He studied her basket. “Let’s see that emptied out.”

Annie took a slow breath. “Before I do, show us your chest.”

He scowled. “I’m not letting anyone—”

“Let’s see it, Lee.” Timmons strode toward the forge. “You’re the one belching about it. We need proof it’s gone.”

Lee sputtered, but stepped inside and opened the chest.

Annie squinted at the base. She kicked it, forgetting the pain at the rattle of coins. She tapped the corner. The false base flipped open, revealing a layer of silver.

“Is this what you’re looking for?”

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About Sheri

Here Goes Something New!

Hi, I'm Sheri Yutzy. I love forests under the night sky, trying new foods, and drinking Irish tea.
I'm married to a musician who looks good in black, mama to two toddlers who love to eat, and happy resident of a Cape Cod cottage in Ohio.
I write YA fantasy and am acquisitions editor at sparkflashfiction.com.
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Find some magic with me!

sheriyutzyauthor

I know, it looks like I’ve only read fantasy thi I know, it looks like I’ve only read fantasy this year. This is not true, but they do make such lovely pictures. 🤩 Fantasy, especially YA fantasy, is the genre of my heart, and since my bookshelf space is limited, I tend to buy more of them. Did I mention they’re pretty?😅

⛸️Wishtress, by @nadinebrandes 

🌊A River Enchanted, by @beccajross

🏇The Scorpio Races, by @maggie_stiefvater

🌲The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, by N.K. Jemisin

🐉League of Dragons, by @naominovik

Have you read any of these?

Can you name five books you’ve loved this year?
🌿☀️🌿 My best tip for finding magic every 🌿☀️🌿
My best tip for finding magic everywhere?
Go out and catch a few children.
Release them in your backyard.
Let them rummage in your cupboards and tiptoe into your bedroom with their treasures.
In the morning you’ll smell daffodils everywhere.
🌿☀️🌿

#twentywordtuesday #sheriyutzy #daffodil #daffodilday #cottageflowers #poetsofinstagram #shortpoem #flowerpoetry
What is a day for? I found myself pondering this q What is a day for?
I found myself pondering this question as I meditated on Scripture this morning. I love to achieve things, and sometimes I get lost in the maze of caring for little ones while wanting to get something—anything—done. I’m living a dream life, saving money every day (by not using daycare😅). Half the time it feels too good to be true, the other half it is just too real and never seems to end.
But this morning I was seeking silence before God and it occurred to me that what I was doing was the point of my days. I am here to love Him and be loved, and show my children how to love Him and be loved. And I can do that to better effect because of the many tiny tasks they need me to do for them. They’ll see His love in how I prepare their food, teach songs, finally make the Playdough they’ve been begging for.
It’s the task of my life, and when these children are moved away, it will remain my task.
How lovely is that?
What are ways you let God show you He loves you?
#moodycottage #walksoutside #sheriyutzy #slowliving #dresses #thrifteddress
My chubby cheeked sunshine. ☀️♥️☀️ My chubby cheeked sunshine. ☀️♥️☀️
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