I’m psyched to announce that after many hours of messing around with formatting and design and whatnot, my short story The Coin Collector is now available for FREE download from Smashwords! Click here to download it now!
Here’s the cover image again for your viewing delight:
And here’s an excerpt to get you irreparably hooked:
Pounding his fist against the dented metal door, Mr. Quimbly shouted, “Anyone in?”
“Just a moment, if you please,” a voice rumbled from inside.
After a few seconds, the door squeaked open of its own accord. A huge, gleaming claw attached to a scaly green appendage nearly the size of Mr. Quimbly’s entire body reached out toward him. Mr. Quimbly yelped, stumbling back and nearly dropping his file.
“Forgive my rudeness,” said the same deep voice, and the claw retracted back through the doorway. “I didn’t mean to startle you, little manling. Do come inside. I’ll put the kettle on.”
“I—I’d rather not, if it’s all the same to you,” said Mr. Quimbly, preparing to run.
“It isn’t, actually.”
The claw shot back out, hooked around Mr. Quimbly’s waist, and yanked him inside.
Mr. Quimbly landed on the floor of the dimly-lit warehouse with a thud and a groan. As he shakily retrieved his fallen spectacles and pushed himself to his knees, he noticed a glint of gold near his left hand. Picking it up, he realized it was a Spanish doubloon. How curious, he thought.
Then he looked up, and found himself staring at the scaly snout of a massive green dragon. The resplendent beast towered over Mr. Quimbly’s head, its horns brushing the ceiling. Its jagged viridian scales contrasted magnificently with the small mountain of gleaming gold coins on which it was nestled.
“Good heavens,” said Mr. Quimbly, dropping the doubloon. “You’re a dragon.”
Thanks to everyone who gave me valuable advice and insights on self-publishing and formatting and content and whatnot! If you feel like sharing my exciting self-publishing news with your respective friends/family/bloggers, I would obviously be incredibly appreciative. I would even bribe you with a free copy of the ebook, but … well, it’s already free. Cheers!
Michelle Proulx - Author 
Pingback: Free Short Story — “The Coin Collector” | So Lee Writes
I can’t wait to read this.
I shared this post too.
I saw! Thank you for sharing! I hope you have fun reading it 🙂
I’m sure I will. 😀
Read it! Sooo funny, Michelle.
Woo! That’s what I was going for 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
Am now doing my official “Nya Nya Nya, I have a free Michelle Proulx short story and you don’t” dance through the kitchen and scaring the cats.
Woo 😀 The joke’s on you, though — I sent an advance copy to your cats nearly two weeks ago. I suspect they’re just humoring you so you’ll keep feeding them.
Reblogged this on Legends of Windemere and commented:
For FREE on Smashwords: A short story AND a preview of Michelle Proulx’s full length novel.
Tweeted to my peeps and can’t wait to read it! Congratulations!
Thanks so much 🙂 Hope you enjoy!!!
Good work!
Thanks 🙂
YES downloading 😀
Woo! Hope you enjoy reading 🙂
Just started reading, and I like it! Would you mind if I added your download link to my Lending Library page? I’m trying to build up a nice collection and help get the word out on good indie readables like this. 🙂
Please, be my guest! And let me know if you need anything else 🙂 Thanks so much for reading it!!!
Most excellent! Other than the link, I’d be happy to host a guest blog post from you about the piece to introduce it–what inspired it, if you’re submitting it to contests, whether it relates to your other projects like Imminent Danger, etc. If you have time, of course. ^-^
Thanks! Also, I loved Mr. Green. He sounded like a hobbit who became a dragon. xD
Thanks! Can’t wait to read 🙂 Tweeting out now too!
Excellent!!! Hope you have a laugh reading it 🙂
Michelle, I just read your story and I did laugh. It was funny and clever! The character’s voices were excellent. Thanks for sharing!!
Woo! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Magnificent webb site. Lots of helpful info here. I am sending it to
several buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you
in your sweat!