Maria Haskins

I have a serious case of writer envy. I want to wield words with precision the way Maria Haskins does. When I read her stories, I always say, "I want to be like her when I grow up." Except I'm older than she is, but anyway...

Maria Haskins has the ability to capture oh so much with few words, and therefore she excels at short fiction in a way few authors do. Each of these stories immediately grabbed hold of me, spun me around, and showed me something totally unexpected. I felt the emotions on a visceral level.

I think that Ms. Haskins' mind must be a beautifully torturous place, and I'm thankful when she allows us a glimpse inside.… (mer)

I've read some of Maria Haskins poetry and flash fiction in the past. because I've enjoyed it, I decided to give a collection of her flash fiction a read. I'm happy to have done so.

As with most flash fiction, it can be a hit and miss. Length is a major factor that shapes each story and what can be done within the limited word count. Haskins has more hits than misses, in my opinion. Not every story wowed me, but many did. She's able to work a lot of "story" into each story, keep the pace fast without making them feel short, and come up with a variety of ideas that also work together nicely.

I'll definitely continue to read Haskins' work. Especially the flash fiction. Having finished Dark flash, I'm now also curious what Haskins can do with a longer form, whether it's short stories or novels.… (mer)

Good authors are able to weave an interesting tale, over time, with an abundance of words. Great authors are able to capture us, their stories demanding attention, with a minimum of words. Maria Haskins is one such great author. Her words are precise tools, and she wields them like a magic wand, lifting us out of wherever we are and dropping us straight into her imagination.

These stories all share a dark edge, with surprising turns and unique concepts. They are like mini portraits, full of color and texture. You'll smile and gasp - and you will remember them.… (mer)

Sometimes I read a short story, and I'm satisfied to move on afterward. Other times, I read a short story and I'm left wishing for more. Lost and Found fits the latter category. I was screaming (okay, figuratively, in my head) for more. I mean this in the best way possible. Maria Haskins creates a fascinating premise, on an unknown planet, with mystery, suspense, adventure, and intrigue. I wanted to stay there, on that planet, with those characters. I wanted Haskins to show me all the secrets within this new world. But she didn't grant me that luxury. Instead, her teasing will have me pondering the possibilities for a long time to come. And that's quite a feat, especially considering I am not even an avid reader of sci-fi.… (mer)