A CALL for Prequel Short Stories

We at The Amaranth Chronicles have crafted a beloved Sci-Fi universe, and now we’re looking to expand it further—with YOUR help!

We are seeking short story writers to help explore the lives of five key characters before the events of the original novel, Deviant Rising. Our goal is to enrich their backstories and showcase how they became the people we know today.

Who Can Apply?

  • Writers of ANY skill level are welcome, provided you’ve published something (e.g., blog post, article, short story, research paper) that serves as a writing example.

  • We are especially excited to hear from writers from underrepresented communities who share our love for Science-Fiction and dynamic character exploration.

What We’re Looking For

  • Prequel stories that dive into the histories, motivations, and challenges of the characters.

  • Writers who can expand the depth of The Amaranth Chronicles with their unique voice and perspective.

  • No prior experience with the universe is necessary! We’ll provide access to examples on the Short Stories page to help you get started.

 

How to Submit

  • Include a pitch for your story (a short summary of your idea and the character you want to focus on).

  • Provide a link to a blog or previously published work as a writing sample.

Together, we aim to carry the Amaranth Chronicles into new dimensions, creating a rich tapestry of stories that inspire, entertain, and connect.

Let’s expand this universe—together!

 

The Back Story

Centuries ago, humanity expanded beyond Terra-Luna (Earth), colonizing planets and moons across the solar system and eventually venturing into the stars. Nearly two hundred years before the pivotal event known as Deviant Rising, the colossal colony vessel The Crown of Thorns embarked on a mission to the Epsilon Eridani star system.

However, something extraordinary happened. The crew awoke from cryosleep to find themselves orbiting an unfamiliar star. There were no recognizable constellations, no familiar planets—nothing connected to the Sol system they had left behind.

Faced with the unknown, Captain Daniel Archer led the crew to adapt. They divided into three groups: two settled on habitable planets in the new star system, while the remainder stayed aboard The Crown of Thorns.

Over time, the scientists aboard the vessel discovered the cause of their strange displacement. The star near them emitted a unique energy that had created a temporary wormhole, flinging The Crown of Thorns to an unexplored region of the galaxy. This star wasn’t just unique—it was a natural gateway between two distant realms.

Captain Archer, determined to protect his crew from potential dangers, chose to explore the wormhole alone. His brave mission led him back to the Epsilon Eridani star system, where he made contact with The United Planets of Earth (U.P.E.). Though the U.P.E. sent expeditions to follow Archer’s path, he tragically passed away before their arrival. His legacy, however, endured, linking two distinct realms:

  • The Frontier: A rugged, lawless expanse filled with adventurers, settlers, and diverse cultures—a setting that echoes the spirit of the show Firefly.

  • The Sol Side: A technologically advanced, structured society under U.P.E. governance, reminiscent of the dystopian atmosphere of Blade Runner.

Despite their differences, both sides honor Captain Archer’s courage and vision. The massive vessel, The Crown of Thorns, remains in orbit around the gateway star, now known as Archer’s Agony. This station is a monument to exploration and serves as the vital bridge between the Sol Side and the untamed Frontier.

 

 

prequel stories before

The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising

CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS

 

The five of them play large roles in Deviant Rising. We need short stories to widen their character.

What are their lives before Deviant Rising?

Concept art and 3D renders based on Deviant Rising are on the Artwork Page.

 

 

Current Prequel Novellas

 

COMING SOON

 

COMING SOON

 

 

Submissions

 

We are looking for stories between 10,000 and 30,000 words. If your pitch idea is accepted, you will then sign an NDA and standard work-for-hire contract.

 

Want to submit a short story?

Are you interested in contributing a short story to the Amaranth Chronicles Universe? Please complete the following fields to connect with us.

We eagerly anticipate hearing from you! Don't forget to include a link to a sample of your writing—it could be a blog post, an article, a research paper, or any other written work that showcases your writing skills.

We will be in touch shortly. Thank you for your patience.

 

Are you a ghost writer?

We're seeking proficient ghostwriters to assist in expanding the rich universe of the Amaranth Chronicles. Co-authors Alexander Barnes and Christopher Preiman have numerous ideas that require skilled writers to fully realize.

If you're passionate about Science Fiction and are prepared to move from short story writing to creating larger, potentially more rewarding narratives, this could be your opportunity.

Please fill out these fields to reach out to us.

 

SHORT STORY

 

GHOST WRITER

 

Thank you for your interest