I'm in Wolf Wanderings!

My story "Wolf of Mars" is in this anthology to fund wolf conservation organizations and sanctuaries.

Do you like wolves? Then this anthology is going to be a great one for you. Not only does it contain stories about wolves (past, present, and future) but all the proceeds go toward wolf conservation.

About the book

In the mists of prehistory, two top predators not only survived but coexisted, perhaps even as partners, each having attributes that complemented the other. But then one species decided there was not room for both, and commenced a war of extermination. For centuries, Man has warred against Wolf, to the detriment of both.

Thankfully, though, the tide is turning and there is a growing awareness of wolves are as individuals and as a species, what they bring to the environment, and what they tell us about ourselves.

Join the storytellers of Wolf Wanderings as they explore this rediscovered appreciation for wolves in stories from multiple genres. You'll journey from Ancient Rome via the Vikings and Celts to a future Mars, encounter a fresh take on the story of St. Francis and the wolf, meet beings that might be wolf or human or both, and discover people whose lives were changed by an encounter with a wolf.

Brother Wolf still needs our help.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to wolf conservation organizations and sanctuaries.

About My Story, “Wolf of Mars”

Andrew approached me several times about writing a Rescue Sisters story with a wolf. I have to admit, I put him off a couple of times because, wolves in space? Really? The Rescue Sisters, for those who don’t know, are Catholic religious sisters who serve in space in education, orphanages, and search and rescue. It’s realistic near future, and I did not see wild animals in my universe outside Earth. But he insisted I could make it happen.

It was shortly after I wrote “Falling Up,” a story which takes place in an orphanage when it struck me how a wolf could end up on Mars and in the care of the Rescue Sisters. It’s a lovely reimagining of the Wolf of Gubbio, whom St. Francis tamed and who protected the town.

It was hard enough being an Earther orphaned on Mars—but who knew he’d be sharing the orphanage with a wolf? All Darvin wanted was to keep to himself until his aunt could arrange transport back to Earth. But when he and the other boys fight over why Gubbio won’t howl at the twin moons, Gubbio escapes, and Darvin knows it’s his fault. Can he find the Wolf of Mars and bring him home before the authorities shoot him?

Excerpt from “Wolf of Mars”

“No. I’m not going to lie so Ruddy can be a big shot.” He started to turn away.

Rudy grabbed his shoulder and spun him around. “What’d you call me?”

Alyssa stepped back, Kě xīn behind her even as she tried to speak soothingly. “Boys. Come on. This isn’t necessary.”

But suddenly to Darvin’s mind, it was. It was the most necessary thing in the world that he let Rudy know just how tired he was of his stupid teasing and stupid nicknames and stupid telling things wrong. “I called you Ruddy, just like your dumb face. Did you go roll in the Martian sand? Is that why your face is so red and you’re so dumb?”

Rudy slapped his pad out of his hand. “Take it back, pipsqueak!”

Darvin shoved him with both hands. “Make me!”

Rudy stumbled back a step – and Darvin realized that even though he was smaller, his Earth-made muscles gave him an advantage. He stepped toward Rudy just as the older boy was reaching out to him.

Gubbio ran toward them snarling and barking.

“Gubbio, no!” Sister Angelina shouted.

Suddenly, the sister stood between them and the growling wolf, her stance wide and her fists planted on her hips. “No, Gubbio! You will not hurt my children!”

The whole playground went deathly quiet.

The wolf made another growl, but less sure.

“Uh-uh! My pups,” Sister said. “Now, you calm down and be a good wolf. Hail Mary, full of grace…”

They’d been trying to teach Gubbio to put his nose between his paws during prayers. Now, the wolf paused, confused.

“Children,” Sister called, “Hail Mary, full of grace…”

Slowly, raggedly, everyone started to pray. Gubbio looked about, confused, then lay down and set his nose between his paws.

“Rudy, Darvin,” Sister Angelina said calmly without turning around as the children continued the prayer, “I want you both to walk – not run – to my office and wait for me there. Walk now.”

As they moved, Sister Angelina sidestepped, keeping her body between them and Gubbio as she rejoined the prayer and then reassured Gubbio that he was a good wolf, indeed.