What if? Anthology Series by GBBPub authors
When Creative Minds Push & Question the Boundaries
When a collective of talented authors merge their literary skills and unleash their imaginations, a series is born to delight readers who crave thought-provoking stories and aren't afraid to ask the question, "What if?" With each turn of the page, readers are transported to fantastic worlds where anything is possible, and every twist and turn leaves them eagerly anticipating what will happen next. This collaboration of creative minds brings to life a captivating journey for those who dare to question the boundaries of reality and embrace the possibilities of the unknown.
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Erika M Szabo
https://www.authorerikamszabo.com “At first, I planned to publish a single, all-encompassing anthology book with Golden Box Books Publishing. However, as the authors began to share their enthusiasm and suggest new story ideas, we couldn't help but continue on our publishing journey. Ultimately, we released not just one, but three magnificent volumes overflowing with captivating tales. Each page is a treasure trove of imagination and creativity, showcasing the authors' diverse voices and talents. Our initial goal may have been modest, but the result was a grand accomplishment we could all be proud of. The authors are eagerly preparing to create spine-tingling tales for our highly anticipated Halloween edition and inspiration swirls around us like ghosts, haunting our minds. We can't wait to share these frighteningly good stories with our readers.” Martha Perez https://marthaperez.info/ “Prepare to be fascinated by an anthology of storytelling with unexpected plots and twists, heartfelt moments, brainy humor, overflowing suspense, mysteries that make you think, and romance that touches your heart. Each talented author writes a unique story. Experience and follow the journey of What If Books 1, 2, and 3.” |
David W. Thompson
https://www.david-w-thompson.com “I didn't become aware of the "What If" series until #2 (and jumped at the chance to participate when I did). "What If" is the brainchild of Erika Szabo and Golden Box Books Publishing. It has brought together an eclectic group of talented multi-genre authors I'm proud to be associated with. Working digitally alongside these authors produces a creative perfect storm that transcends norms and genre tropes. As an author and voracious reader, I've learned to expect the unexpected in every tale in each "What If" edition. Entertaining stories and memorable characters are packed into every volume.” ~Lorraine Carey https://authorlorrainecarey.blogspot.com/ “Having contributed to the previous three installments of the “What If?” series, I developed a profound sense of camaraderie with my fellow writers and greatly appreciated their compelling stories. This experience fostered a strong desire to participate in the upcoming fourth, Halloween edition of the anthology. Additionally, the collaboration provided much-needed motivation, particularly during periods of writer's block. The frequent exchanges of ideas and glimpses into each other's stories offered invaluable inspiration and further fueled my enthusiasm for the project.” |
What If? #1 Anthology
The stories in the book
Lost in the Woods by Erika M Szabo
A young police officer enters the woods to find a missing woman, but it takes all her mental strength to deal with what she finds.
She Waits by Lorraine Carey
During a class field trip to a historical site in the Caribbean, a curious student encounters a lonely ghost who does not want her to leave.
The Treasures of Grandma’s Attic by Erika M Szabo
Sixteenth birthdays are special, but something they find in Grandma’s attic will make sure they’ll never forget this party.
Church of the Sentient System Ascendant by R.A, “Doc” Correa
A civil servant who is deeply devoted to his faith. By accident, he learns the truth about his religion, and the malevolent A.I. behind it.
Genie in the Sporran by Erika M Szabo
A device cloaked as an everyday item makes all your wishes come true. But Blair and Rhona find out the hard way that everything has a price.
I Scarecrow by Alan Zacher
A troubled man is cursed by a gypsy woman, and the scarecrow he built makes his wishes come true. All good, but he might get more than he bargained for.
Don’t Look Out the Window by S.S. Bazinet
Growing up in a house with a cursed window, Hank has to find the courage to look out its glass panes, even if it kills him.
The Spirit of The Rattlesnake by S. M. Revolinski
In the spring of 1889, civilization with railroads and cattle ranches was moving into Wyoming. However, the Indian Spirit was not finished. Into this, Alice Potter begins her trek.
Will You Wait For Me? By Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey
Fate gave her one year of happy marriage, but although losing her husband and unborn child devastated Gladys, she'd find a way to live a full life. Will they meet again?
A young police officer enters the woods to find a missing woman, but it takes all her mental strength to deal with what she finds.
She Waits by Lorraine Carey
During a class field trip to a historical site in the Caribbean, a curious student encounters a lonely ghost who does not want her to leave.
The Treasures of Grandma’s Attic by Erika M Szabo
Sixteenth birthdays are special, but something they find in Grandma’s attic will make sure they’ll never forget this party.
Church of the Sentient System Ascendant by R.A, “Doc” Correa
A civil servant who is deeply devoted to his faith. By accident, he learns the truth about his religion, and the malevolent A.I. behind it.
Genie in the Sporran by Erika M Szabo
A device cloaked as an everyday item makes all your wishes come true. But Blair and Rhona find out the hard way that everything has a price.
I Scarecrow by Alan Zacher
A troubled man is cursed by a gypsy woman, and the scarecrow he built makes his wishes come true. All good, but he might get more than he bargained for.
Don’t Look Out the Window by S.S. Bazinet
Growing up in a house with a cursed window, Hank has to find the courage to look out its glass panes, even if it kills him.
The Spirit of The Rattlesnake by S. M. Revolinski
In the spring of 1889, civilization with railroads and cattle ranches was moving into Wyoming. However, the Indian Spirit was not finished. Into this, Alice Potter begins her trek.
Will You Wait For Me? By Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey
Fate gave her one year of happy marriage, but although losing her husband and unborn child devastated Gladys, she'd find a way to live a full life. Will they meet again?
What if? #2 Anthology
The stories in the book
Mysteries of the Wetland by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey
Join Ava Jenson on vacation in her grandmother’s old country when all mysterious events are connected to an ancient legend about a cursed church bell.
The Zanna by David W. Thompson
A potential stepmother and stepdaughter seek common ground at the family's rustic retreat. Will the past return to haunt them? Only Zanna knows...
Forbidden Love by Erika M Szabo
They knew their love was forbidden, but they couldn't help the way they felt. Their love for each other was too strong to ignore.
A Well-kept Home by Toi Thomas
Everyone knows how special the Fields Family Farm is. Some say it’s haunted. Some say it’s enchanted. But only those who dare to stay the night really know.
Don’t Whistle Back by Erika M Szabo
Milena visits her grandfather in Mexico and wonders why he has a rope with seven knots tied to the door. She finds out soon enough!
J.A.C.K.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa.
What is a human? According to the cybernetically enhanced officers of the U. S. Army’s Joint Advanced Combat Knowledge System program, they are the only real humans.
She Decided to Be a Vampire by Erika M Szabo
Every kid in town knew that old Mrs. Robbins was a vampire. What they didn’t know and are about to find out, will change their lives forever.
T’is Was The Night by Alan Zacher
This Christmas tale is about a family coming to “terms” with the alleged existence of Mo-Mo, aka, “The Missouri Monster”; aka, their own Bigfoot.
W.I.DG.E.T.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa
The U. S. Army pursues the technologies “improving” Soldier-Machine Interface for Future Combat Systems. What are the consequences for humans?
The Unlucky Number Four by Erika M Szabo
In China, the number four sounds like the word death, making the number highly unlucky. Hua is the fourth child in her family.
Push by David W. Thompson
Leona is a missing mother and Sergeant James is on the hunt. When family secrets are revealed, he must find her, or it will be the cadaver dog's turn.
Bravery Has a Price by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey
After boasting to her twin brothers that she is braver than they are, Emma immediately regrets it. Is proving her courage worth the price she must pay?
Join Ava Jenson on vacation in her grandmother’s old country when all mysterious events are connected to an ancient legend about a cursed church bell.
The Zanna by David W. Thompson
A potential stepmother and stepdaughter seek common ground at the family's rustic retreat. Will the past return to haunt them? Only Zanna knows...
Forbidden Love by Erika M Szabo
They knew their love was forbidden, but they couldn't help the way they felt. Their love for each other was too strong to ignore.
A Well-kept Home by Toi Thomas
Everyone knows how special the Fields Family Farm is. Some say it’s haunted. Some say it’s enchanted. But only those who dare to stay the night really know.
Don’t Whistle Back by Erika M Szabo
Milena visits her grandfather in Mexico and wonders why he has a rope with seven knots tied to the door. She finds out soon enough!
J.A.C.K.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa.
What is a human? According to the cybernetically enhanced officers of the U. S. Army’s Joint Advanced Combat Knowledge System program, they are the only real humans.
She Decided to Be a Vampire by Erika M Szabo
Every kid in town knew that old Mrs. Robbins was a vampire. What they didn’t know and are about to find out, will change their lives forever.
T’is Was The Night by Alan Zacher
This Christmas tale is about a family coming to “terms” with the alleged existence of Mo-Mo, aka, “The Missouri Monster”; aka, their own Bigfoot.
W.I.DG.E.T.S. by R. A. “Doc” Correa
The U. S. Army pursues the technologies “improving” Soldier-Machine Interface for Future Combat Systems. What are the consequences for humans?
The Unlucky Number Four by Erika M Szabo
In China, the number four sounds like the word death, making the number highly unlucky. Hua is the fourth child in her family.
Push by David W. Thompson
Leona is a missing mother and Sergeant James is on the hunt. When family secrets are revealed, he must find her, or it will be the cadaver dog's turn.
Bravery Has a Price by Erika M Szabo and Lorraine Carey
After boasting to her twin brothers that she is braver than they are, Emma immediately regrets it. Is proving her courage worth the price she must pay?
What If? #3 Anthology
The stories in Book 3
Midnight Murder by Erika M Szabo
Emma’s belief in her psychic abilities solidified and she learned an important lesson about blind trust – even in those who she thought were closest to her.
Unexpected Trip by Lorraine Carey
A teacher faints at an Egyptian exhibit and has a vivid dream in Pompeii during the volcanic eruption. Was it a dream or did she travel through time?
Thy Sister’s Blood by David W. Thompson
Friends on a haunted creek uncover ancient relations. Magic and mystery drive this journey of self-discovery with the enduring power of family.
The Ominous Sound of Stiletto Heels by Erika M Szabo
The sound of Madame Chloe’s red stiletto heels in the hallways would quiet the students and teachers. When she walked by, an icy chill filled the air.
The Way to a Man’s Heart by Shebat Legion
A Siren demonstrates her full vocal range, much to the dismay of a man caught in a trap of his own design.
Shadowman by Erika M Szabo
Their ultimate goal is a brighter future for all humanity. A world free of destruction and chaos.
Careful What You Wish For by David W. Thompson
At last, Victor finds his dream girl! But is it a match made in heaven or a far darker place? Love conquers all... or the dream becomes a nightmare.
Happily Ever After, and After by Shebat Legion
A woman revisits memories that are all too real, or are they? What makes a memory real?
I Love You Forever by Matha Perez
Can their love endure? Nicole, battling cancer, finds hope with Noah. Will they overcome life's challenges and keep their vow to love forever?
Jimmy’s Clown by David W. Thompson
Brothers stick together, and childhood pranks are soon forgotten. But old grudges can fade slowly or swell with age like the nose of a clown.
Eye of the Jaguar by Robert Allen Lupton
An explorer falls onto an altar stone. He wakes to an ancient nightmare of Mayan jaguar worship. Can he save his humanity and return to modern times?
Unsung Heroes y Erika M Szabo
If people knew what the biker gang did and were not expecting any reward or recognition, these unsung heroes would be celebrated by many.
The Prodigal Daughter by R.A. “Doc” Correa
Cassandra Lynn Anderson, a haunted young woman, learns the terrifying truth of her origin.
Emma’s belief in her psychic abilities solidified and she learned an important lesson about blind trust – even in those who she thought were closest to her.
Unexpected Trip by Lorraine Carey
A teacher faints at an Egyptian exhibit and has a vivid dream in Pompeii during the volcanic eruption. Was it a dream or did she travel through time?
Thy Sister’s Blood by David W. Thompson
Friends on a haunted creek uncover ancient relations. Magic and mystery drive this journey of self-discovery with the enduring power of family.
The Ominous Sound of Stiletto Heels by Erika M Szabo
The sound of Madame Chloe’s red stiletto heels in the hallways would quiet the students and teachers. When she walked by, an icy chill filled the air.
The Way to a Man’s Heart by Shebat Legion
A Siren demonstrates her full vocal range, much to the dismay of a man caught in a trap of his own design.
Shadowman by Erika M Szabo
Their ultimate goal is a brighter future for all humanity. A world free of destruction and chaos.
Careful What You Wish For by David W. Thompson
At last, Victor finds his dream girl! But is it a match made in heaven or a far darker place? Love conquers all... or the dream becomes a nightmare.
Happily Ever After, and After by Shebat Legion
A woman revisits memories that are all too real, or are they? What makes a memory real?
I Love You Forever by Matha Perez
Can their love endure? Nicole, battling cancer, finds hope with Noah. Will they overcome life's challenges and keep their vow to love forever?
Jimmy’s Clown by David W. Thompson
Brothers stick together, and childhood pranks are soon forgotten. But old grudges can fade slowly or swell with age like the nose of a clown.
Eye of the Jaguar by Robert Allen Lupton
An explorer falls onto an altar stone. He wakes to an ancient nightmare of Mayan jaguar worship. Can he save his humanity and return to modern times?
Unsung Heroes y Erika M Szabo
If people knew what the biker gang did and were not expecting any reward or recognition, these unsung heroes would be celebrated by many.
The Prodigal Daughter by R.A. “Doc” Correa
Cassandra Lynn Anderson, a haunted young woman, learns the terrifying truth of her origin.
What If? #4 Anthology
The Stories in Book 4
Burdens of Immortality by Erika M Szabo
She didn’t want to live for centuries. All she wanted was one happy life.
The Guest of Honor by E.V. Emmons
A tale of two families: One family’s halcyon life is tragically disrupted, while another plans the perfect Halloween party. Evil is a point of view.
Bitten by R.A. “Doc” Correa
In the days of the Roman Empire, a French peasant and thief learns the true horror of what it means to be bitten.
The Doll That Had It All by Lorraine Carey
A woman finds a spell to restore her youth but awakens a dark force. She must pay the price for meddling with magic. What is she willing to sacrifice?
Demon Child by Erika M Szabo
Lucas couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. His sister’s once gentle and curious nature had been replaced with outbursts of rage and violence.
Area Code 666 by James Harper
Steve Hyatt’s job, chauffeuring mentally challenged clients to voting booths to swing elections, gets complicated when he receives phone calls from somewhere that should not exist.
Haunting Memories by Erika M Szabo
Spraining his ankle on a stormy night when an oddly familiar stranger helps him home, John’s mind is flooded with long-forgotten memories.
He Watches by David W. Thompson
An ancient creature and an ancient love meet newlyweds John and Evelyn Barrow. Can their love survive Halloween’s heartbreak and a promised destiny?
The Last Resort by Shebat Legion
A grieving woman meets a mysterious stranger and learns a valuable lesson.
An Elder Race by Karen Over
In the mists and moonlight of Halloween, be careful who you mess with. That kid you called a liar just might be telling the truth.
Organs for Sale by Erika M Szabo
After discovering that the Witch’s One Stop Shop is selling organs, a group of kids are struck with fear. In response, Jack decides to become a vegetarian.
Fallen Angel by Martha Perez
Isabella is a fallen angel, paying for her mistakes in hell under the watchful eye of Satan enduring constant torment from creatures and critters. Will she survive?
The Pumpkin’s Curse by Martha Perez
A spine-chilling, suspenseful thriller. Scarlett and Mom have nowhere to hide from the pumpkin’s curse; they’re desperate to stay alive.
Master Brahm’s Studio by Shebat Legion
A master seeks to teach his students valuable lessons, but in the end, who will be the master?
Broomsticks and Chocolate
Trick-or-treating, a Halloween tradition, works because its unspoken rules are rigorously observed. If those rules are violated, who’s better to defend Halloween traditions than real witches?
Late Delivery by Erika M Szabo
It’s All Hollow’s Eve, but an inconsiderate last-minute pizza order must be delivered, and Memy Yagen’s legend becomes a chilling reality.
Headless by Karen Over
When it's Halloween along Foxfire Creek, you'd best not roll your eyes about the local haunt. Especially when you're messing with one of Miz Flora's girls.
Fall Market by Victoria Adams
Elenore lives a life in the shadows, hiding from a haunting past. Then one sunny fall day she is seen.
She didn’t want to live for centuries. All she wanted was one happy life.
The Guest of Honor by E.V. Emmons
A tale of two families: One family’s halcyon life is tragically disrupted, while another plans the perfect Halloween party. Evil is a point of view.
Bitten by R.A. “Doc” Correa
In the days of the Roman Empire, a French peasant and thief learns the true horror of what it means to be bitten.
The Doll That Had It All by Lorraine Carey
A woman finds a spell to restore her youth but awakens a dark force. She must pay the price for meddling with magic. What is she willing to sacrifice?
Demon Child by Erika M Szabo
Lucas couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was wrong. His sister’s once gentle and curious nature had been replaced with outbursts of rage and violence.
Area Code 666 by James Harper
Steve Hyatt’s job, chauffeuring mentally challenged clients to voting booths to swing elections, gets complicated when he receives phone calls from somewhere that should not exist.
Haunting Memories by Erika M Szabo
Spraining his ankle on a stormy night when an oddly familiar stranger helps him home, John’s mind is flooded with long-forgotten memories.
He Watches by David W. Thompson
An ancient creature and an ancient love meet newlyweds John and Evelyn Barrow. Can their love survive Halloween’s heartbreak and a promised destiny?
The Last Resort by Shebat Legion
A grieving woman meets a mysterious stranger and learns a valuable lesson.
An Elder Race by Karen Over
In the mists and moonlight of Halloween, be careful who you mess with. That kid you called a liar just might be telling the truth.
Organs for Sale by Erika M Szabo
After discovering that the Witch’s One Stop Shop is selling organs, a group of kids are struck with fear. In response, Jack decides to become a vegetarian.
Fallen Angel by Martha Perez
Isabella is a fallen angel, paying for her mistakes in hell under the watchful eye of Satan enduring constant torment from creatures and critters. Will she survive?
The Pumpkin’s Curse by Martha Perez
A spine-chilling, suspenseful thriller. Scarlett and Mom have nowhere to hide from the pumpkin’s curse; they’re desperate to stay alive.
Master Brahm’s Studio by Shebat Legion
A master seeks to teach his students valuable lessons, but in the end, who will be the master?
Broomsticks and Chocolate
Trick-or-treating, a Halloween tradition, works because its unspoken rules are rigorously observed. If those rules are violated, who’s better to defend Halloween traditions than real witches?
Late Delivery by Erika M Szabo
It’s All Hollow’s Eve, but an inconsiderate last-minute pizza order must be delivered, and Memy Yagen’s legend becomes a chilling reality.
Headless by Karen Over
When it's Halloween along Foxfire Creek, you'd best not roll your eyes about the local haunt. Especially when you're messing with one of Miz Flora's girls.
Fall Market by Victoria Adams
Elenore lives a life in the shadows, hiding from a haunting past. Then one sunny fall day she is seen.
The Authors of the Anthology Series
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Erika loves to dance to her own tunes and follow her dreams, introducing her story-writing skills and her books that are based on creative imagination with themes such as magical realism, alternate history, urban fantasy, cozy mystery, sweet romance, and supernatural stories. Her children’s stories are informative, and educational, and deliver moral values in a non-preachy way.
Robert Allen Lupton is retired and lives in New Mexico. He has three novels, seven short story collections and three edited anthologies available in print and audio versions. Over 2000 of his Edgar Rice Burroughs themed drabbles and articles are located on erbzine.com
Martha Perez was born in raised in Los Angeles, CA. She now lives in West Covina, CA, with her husband Sal Andalon and their dogs Toby and Bella. She has a son, a daughter, and two granddaughters. Her hobbies include reading, writing, exercising, and taking long walks.
David is a multiple award-winning author, Army veteran, and graduate of UMUC. He’s a multi-genre writer, and a member of the Horror Writers' Association, and the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association. When not writing, Dave enjoys family, kayaking, fishing, hiking, hunting, winemaking, and woodcarving.
I graduated from UCLA, studying Acting and Writing. Fifteen years after graduating from college, I returned to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, and began teaching English and started writing.
A retired engineer. When not entertaining his grandchildren, he enjoys writing. Most of his stories are science fiction, connections between the supernatural and the real world – what if ‘this’ really happened? Breaking from Sci-Fi, his recent stories have been Westerns. The “Tales From Wyoming” is a collection of interconnected short stories of the Old West.
His work can be found wherever fine books are sold.
A transplanted native in a city full of them, James Harper is a bestselling horror writer living with his daughter in a suburb just north of Washington DC. His love of music is only rivaled by his passion for film, but both take a backseat when a Phillies game’s on. Karen Ovér is back in Texas after more than a decade in New York City. Her latest works appear in the anthologies The Book of Carnacki, The Legion Press, Dark Yonder #6, and the forthcoming Arkham Institutions, available late 2024 from Dragon’s Roost Press.
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Lorraine Carey is not only a paranormal enthusiast but has had many unexplained events in her lifetime and has used these as a focal point in her fiction novels. As a veteran teacher, Lorraine began to write for Young Adults hoping to inspire young readers. Now residing in Florida, since retirement has given her more time to write when the spirits are willing.
Shebat Legion is an award-winning, internationally best-selling, consummate storyteller/producer/publisher whose quirky tales have appeared in numerous anthologies of various genres, and offerings of her work have been archived on the moon via The Lunar Codex associated with NASA.
A retired US Army military master parachutist retired surgical technologist and retired computer scientist. He’s an award-winning poet and author. “Doc“ has had poems published in multiple books and had stories published in Bookish Magazine and Your Secret Library. His first novel, Rapier, won a Book Excellence award.
S. S. Bazinet is a multi-genre author who loves penning stories that inspire her readers. When writing, she keeps it real. Her characters often start off in very dicey situations. They make their mistakes, hopefully learn to correct course, and find a way to keep going when all seems lost.
A self-proclaimed techie and foodie, Toi Thomas enjoys cooking, animals, geek culture, and collecting vinyl records. She writes clean, adult, multi-genre fiction as well as nonfiction, and picture books. Toi actively creates for and with her fans at The ToiBox of Words blog, her YouTube channel, and on Patreon.
Adams lives and works in the resplendent Pacific Northwest. She spends her time with her characters and a feline named Sir Linus. She has published two nonfiction titles and contributed to anthologies of fiction and poetry. Her exploration of the world and ideas, in general, can be found at victoriasreadingalcove.com.
E.V. Emmons lives in Ontario. Author of the novels ETERNITY AWAITS, THE SINISTRATI, and the writer’s guide, ‘WRITE HERE, WRITE NOW!’ As a contributor to several anthologies, her work even made it to the Moon with the Lunar Codex Program aboard lander Odysseus in February 2024. Available on Amazon.
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