Tag: burlington by the book

Burlington By The Book Signing

So, the signing at Burlington By The Book went well. While the January weather wasn’t cooperative for shoppers, we did have a nice turn out, and I sold a few books to new readers!

Additionally, I got to meet with a new potential author and discuss writing and the business of writing. That lead to me having a novel to evaluate for Defiant House, and hopefully a new reader of my stories.

Another customer let me know about the Snake Alley Film Festival, and really liked the concept of my stories. She’ll hopefully be a long time reader, and I’m grateful to learn about the film festival, where I can hopefully make some connections to turn some of these stories into a new media!

I also got to have lunch from Napoli in Burlington’s down town area. The gyro was so worth it. I’ll definitely be back!

Even with snow and freezing weather, I’m grateful for everyone who turned out for the signing (Thanks, Aunt Barb!), took a minute to speak with me, shared my books with friends who will enjoy them and helped expand my world!

That I was a kid living in Burlington when my love for science fiction, and story, developed and really locked in makes doing signings there an incredible opportunity. Thanks to Christopher for inviting me and working through both our schedules for this to happen. And thanks for the opportunity to come back up in May!

Now, just image if my folks hadn’t taken me to see Star Wars at the Burlington Drive In Theater when I was in 3rd Grade?

Big Announcement!

I’ve started a publishing company!

I’ve gotten the initial legal paperwork done, so Defiant House Entertainment, LLC is a real thing now.

While I’ve got a lot to do on the back end to finish up details, I’m moving forward on a lot of things.

First, I’m announcing the first Defiant House Entertainment anthology:

Run for the Line — Anthology Call

Run for the Line brings together stories of antiheroes, operatives, and rule-benders on the move — chasing borders, escaping pursuit, or testing the limits of law, morality, and their own resolve. Inspired by the kinetic urgency of Christopher Cross’s “Ride Like the Wind” and Toby Keith’s “Bullets in the Gun,” this anthology is about motion, tension, and consequence.

The invaders are destroying everything in their path — but if you can make it to the border, you and your people might survive.
You’ve found your soulmate, but the king refuses to let a peasant claim his child.
You stood against a corrupt government, and now the only safety lies at the far edge of the galaxy.
You rescued the prince — getting him away from the empire will take cunning, speed, and more than a little skulduggery.

Stories may cross literal borders, such as national boundaries, planetary frontiers, or escape routes under fire — or metaphorical ones, including moral limits, personal thresholds, or lines society insists should not be crossed. Each story should center on capable protagonists who act decisively, willing to bend or break the rules when the stakes demand it.

Submission Guidelines

  • Word count: 4,000–12,000 words
  • Genre: Speculative fiction, including:
    • Science Fiction
    • Fantasy
    • Horror
    • Urban Fantasy
    • Supernatural Thriller
  • Tone: Action-driven, tense, morally complex
  • Characters: Skilled, proactive, and purposeful (no passive or purely reactive leads)
  • Stories are due by 31 August 2026

Formatting

  • Times New Roman
  • 12-point font
  • Use * * * * * for scene breaks

Submission Method

Email submissions to keith@keithhedger.com
Subject line: Run for the Line

So, if you have questions, email me at Keith@keithhedger.com (Still working on Defiant’s web presense) or ask me at the book signing at Burlington By The Book on January 24th!

Thanks to everyone at Henchman who helped me learn so much over the last few years!