In addition to writing books and short stories, my author friend, Margret Treiber, produces brilliant and hilarious remote interviews with authors, and it seems my number was up. This one, about my books, aired early this month. The answers are mine, but the questions are all Margret! Take a look: https://share.sender.net/campaigns/hl0c/unsubconscious-robot-system-transmission-lauren-stoker-under-interrogation
You should also check out her books and stories. Here’s one of the sites where you can find her writing: https://themargret.allauthor.com/

Critical Blast has just released its new anthology, FANTASTIC VOGAGES, in which my story, “Growing Hope,” is published. This is my fourth story with them. Here are the press release and back cover:

The story borrows heavily from some weird IT experiences (including expletives) at my last job, like the pulsing, beeping Outlook inbox and matching beeps from the server room next to me.
It also draws from fond memories of my wonderful granddad, J.B. Stoker, who could grow anything and who made my childhood magical.

As my town, “America’s Hometown” (Plymouth, MA) doesn’t have a single bookstore anymore, I held it at my favorite pub, Second Wind Brewing on Howland Street, a dog-friendly beer garden. And a whole lot of people showed up and bought a bunch of books! It was really fun and the beer was terrific (and calming). And Tim Lynch, our favorite bartender, took pix (and helped talk me off the ledge).
Here’s the launch poster (my concept) and a couple of photos of the day. The last one is of Tim and me. Tails were wagged and a good time was had by all.

Just an update, my latest novel, Biting Back, is alive and taking no prisoners. There was just a small software hiccup in the release date, so April Fools! But it’s out and biting back. Check it out (and prepare for serious laughter). Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GVDBV25J

(And they’re not even politicians!)
Critical Blast, which has published two others of my stories, has a new anthology, More Monsters Next Door, released Dec. 5, 2025. Just in time for a perfect Grinch Christmas!
My story is called “Buryin’ Mama.” Available via Critical Blast, IngramSpark, and Amazon.
The publisher does really fun trailers for his books. Take a look and turn up the sound: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=763073140040982&t=0

Carl’s latest novel, Fever Beach, is the all-time funniest, wish-fulfilling political satire in the history of the world, or at least the U.S.A. If you aren’t laughing out loud and jumping up and down, fist-pumping the air, while reading this book . . . well, we know who and what you are. (And may be coming for you.)
HUGE KUDOS to Carl for his wit and insight (not to mention cojones for taking on all that is rotten in Florida and currently in the nation.) Thank you, Carl!!! We needed this. I mean really, really.
[WARNING: wearing Depends may be necessary.]
https://carlhiaasen.com/books/fever-beach/

A story of mine, “Abandoned,” is going to go live on July 23rd on Twenty-two Twenty-eight, the online publisher that published my essay, “Staying on Tiptoes,” March 11, 2024.
This one was written about a chilling incident I witnessed last summer driving past Bert’s, our abandoned beachfront restaurant, right here in Plymouth, MA. Look for it at: https://www.twentytwotwentyeight.com/

My editor friend sent me this today and it’s too hilarious not to share. Also brilliant.
Bee whale, LingEarths!