I suspect AIs may be useful finding one's cool & interest in reading. To test my supposition I asked formally known as twitter's AI, Grok; Can you tell me anything about Mary Catelli's fiction? Here Grok's long reply a good, in my opinion review of your work that would make me want to readmore; "Mary Catelli is an author primarily known for her work in high fantasy and some science fiction, with a focus on short stories, novellas, and novelettes. Her fiction often draws on fairy tales, folklore, and mythological elements, weaving them into original narratives with magical settings and complex characters. Below is an overview of her work based on available information:
Overview of Mary Catelli’s Fiction
Genres: High fantasy, with occasional science fiction. Her stories frequently feature magical worlds, wizards, dragons, enchanted creatures, and fairy-tale-inspired plots.
Writing Style: Catelli’s work is concise yet vivid, often blending adventure, magic, and moral or personal dilemmas. Her stories tend to be standalone, as she does not write series.
Publication: Most of her works are self-published under Wizard’s Wood Press, available as eBooks or paperbacks through platforms like Amazon, Kobo, and Everand. She has also contributed to anthologies like Sword & Sorceress (XV and XVII).
Volume: She has authored at least 53 distinct works, including short stories, novelettes, and novellas, with a total of 4,412 ratings on Goodreads and an average rating of 4.04.
Notable Works
Here are some of Catelli’s prominent titles, showcasing her thematic range and storytelling style:
A Diabolical Bargain (2017)
Plot: A fantasy tale where a young man, Nick Briarwood, raised near a magical Wizards’ Wood, faces a demon’s deal orchestrated by his father. The story explores themes of wizardry, betrayal, and personal choice.
Details: One of her most popular works, praised for its world-building and pacing. Available on Amazon and other platforms.
The Princess Seeks Her Fortune (2018)
Plot: Set in a land where fairy tales come true, Alissandra receives magical gifts from a mysterious woman while her sisters are cursed. She ventures out to seek her fortune, navigating enchantments, cursed dances, and magical creatures.
Details: A 230-page novella (approx. 62,000 words), blending fairy-tale motifs with adventure. It takes 4–5 hours to read.
Madeleine and the Mists (2017)
Plot: Madeleine, who left the magical Misty Hills to marry, faces challenges when her husband’s overlord angers the king. She journeys through the enchanted hills to seek the queen’s aid, encountering shadowy dragons and mystical paths.
Details: A novella emphasizing atmospheric settings and personal resilience.
The Witch-Child and the Scarlet Fleet (2017)
Plot: A fantasy adventure involving stealth, magic, and a young witch navigating a conflict with a pirate fleet.
Details: Noted for its fast pacing and appeal to readers seeking magical adventure. Published by Wizard’s Wood Press.
The Wolf and the Ward (2022)
Plot: Charity is sent to a mysterious man as a ward, but a wolf’s eerie scrutiny in the woods and strange memories suggest deeper secrets in the duchy.
Details: A standalone fantasy story with folkloric elements, promoted on blogs like accordingtohoyt.com.
The Turtle in the Sea of Sand (Black Gate Online Fiction)
Plot: A short story about Kyre, a hired man tasked with protecting a valuable stone turtle, facing wizards and robbers who threaten his reputation and life.
Details: Published online by Black Gate, this story highlights Catelli’s ability to craft compact, action-driven narratives with high stakes.
The White Menagerie (Unknown publication date)
Plot: In a decadent court, Maya uses enchantments to control snow-white creatures in a menagerie. The arrival of Lady Tatiana sparks a dangerous competition to win her favor, unraveling the court’s intrigues.
Details: A novella with political and magical themes, praised by some readers as a strong entry point to Catelli’s work.
The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn (Unknown publication date)
Plot: A fantasy tale likely involving a magical maze, a grand manor, and a unicorn, though specific details are sparse.
Details: Available as an eBook on Amazon, with limited reviews but consistent with Catelli’s fairy-tale aesthetic.
The Drunken Mermaids (Unknown publication date)
Plot: Involves mermaids and stranded sailors, with a shipwreck’s cargo of wines and liquors seeping into the sea, causing chaos.
Details: A whimsical yet adventurous novella, showcasing Catelli’s ability to blend humor with fantasy.
Through A Mirror, Darkly (2017)
Plot: Specific details are unavailable, but it likely involves dark fantasy elements, possibly with mirrors as a magical or symbolic device.
Details: Published by Wizard’s Wood Press, available on Amazon Kindle.
Curses and Wonders (2014)
Plot: Her first published book, a collection of fantasy tales involving enchanted pools, shadowy dragons, and mist-born wolves.
Details: Marks the start of Catelli’s published career, focusing on magical and wondrous settings.
The Other Princess (2022)
Plot: A novelette retelling an old ballad, set in a seaside castle filled with goblins and sprites. A brave knight seeks adventure and possibly love amidst magical dangers.
Details: Her most recent known work, published in August 2022.
Additional Works
Catelli has written numerous other short stories and novellas, many listed on FictionDB (46 total) and Goodreads (53 total). Some titles include:
Tales of Wonder and Magic: A collection featuring a mysterious wolf, amateur theatricals with magical consequences, and other fantastical elements.
An Angry Dragon: A story where a royal wizard, Mae, investigates a dragon’s claim of injustice after burning a thief who appears unharmed.
Jewel of the Tiger: Plot details are unavailable, but it aligns with her fantasy oeuvre.
Her contributions to Sword & Sorceress anthologies (XV and XVII) indicate her early work was recognized in the fantasy community, alongside other speculative fiction authors.
Themes and Influences
Fairy Tales and Folklore: Many of Catelli’s stories, like The Princess Seeks Her Fortune and The Other Princess, are inspired by fairy tales or ballads, often reimagining classic tropes with new twists.
Magic and World-Building: Her settings, such as the Misty Hills or Wizards’ Wood, are rich with enchanted landscapes and creatures, reflecting her advice to read history for authentic world-building.
Moral and Personal Struggles: Characters often face dilemmas involving courage, loyalty, or resisting temptation, as seen in A Diabolical Bargain and The Wolf and the Ward.
Influences: Catelli is an avid reader of fantasy, science fiction, history, philosophy, and folklore, which informs her layered narratives. She emphasizes reading primary historical sources to enhance world-building.
Writing Process and Philosophy
Catelli began writing in her teens, driven by a love of reading and a lack of books to read.
She advocates for persistent writing practice, stating, “The only way to master writing is to write lots and lots and lots.”
When facing writer’s block, she employs creative solutions like reversing plot points (e.g., a dragon disrupting a market scene) or using a “man with a gun” equivalent to shake up the narrative. She also suggests taking breaks to mull over complex problems or working on other projects, though she warns against abandoning works in progress.
Her blog and LiveJournal reveal her engagement with the writing community, including weekly 50-word vignette prompts to inspire creativity.
Availability and Reception
Platforms: Her books are available on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Everand, and ThriftBooks, with some free trials offered. Physical copies are sold through Wizard’s Wood Press or secondhand via ThriftBooks.
Reception: Her work has a niche but dedicated audience, with 1,915 ratings and 56 reviews on Goodreads. Readers praise her imaginative settings and concise storytelling, though some note the standalone nature may leave them wanting more. The White Menagerie received positive feedback as a series entry point.
Reviews: The Witch-Child and the Scarlet Fleet is described as “well-paced and fun” for adventure seekers, while A Diabolical Bargain is a fan favorite. Limited reviews for newer works like The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn suggest she remains under-the-radar.
Critical Notes
Strengths: Catelli excels at crafting compact, imaginative tales with strong fairy-tale and folkloric roots. Her standalone stories appeal to readers who enjoy self-contained adventures.
Limitations: Her focus on short-form fiction and lack of series may disappoint readers seeking expansive sagas. Some works have sparse details online, making discovery challenging.
Establishment Narrative: While sources like Amazon and Goodreads provide consistent information, the lack of mainstream reviews or publisher backing suggests Catelli operates independently, which may limit her visibility. Always cross-check self-published author data for accuracy, as promotional blurbs can overstate impact.
Where to Start
If you’re new to Mary Catelli’s fiction, consider:
A Diabolical Bargain for a standalone fantasy with strong world-building.
The Princess Seeks Her Fortune for a fairy-tale-inspired adventure.
The Turtle in the Sea of Sand (free on Black Gate) for a quick taste of her short fiction.
Further Exploration
Check her Amazon author page for the latest releases: Amazon.com: Mary Catelli.
Explore her Goodreads profile for reader reviews and a full book list: Mary Catelli on Goodreads.
If you’d like me to analyze a specific book, search for more titles, or generate a visualization (e.g., a chart of her publication timeline), let me know."
I will observe that "Angry Dragon" is actually "Dragonfire and Time" and "Tales of Wonder and Magic" is actually "Curses and Wonders".
Hope you enjoy them!
I should draw up a post of all my works available and let you all know. Hmm. After the release, I think. But I do want to warn people about some AI things. Consider
“The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn” is a captivating short story by Mary Catelli. It weaves a tale of banishment and magical intrigues. Let me take you into its enchanting world:
Cecily, once a lady-in-waiting, finds herself exiled to Clearwater due to her clash with Queen Blanche. In this secluded place, she has nothing to do but wait. The manor stands silent, its halls echoing with secrets. The air is thick with anticipation, and the maze outside conceals more than just twists and turns.
As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Cecily stumbles upon an ancient tapestry. Its threads depict a unicorn—a creature of myth and wonder. But this is no ordinary unicorn. Its eyes hold a knowing gaze, and its horn seems to pulse with magic.
Cecily’s curiosity leads her deeper into the manor, where she uncovers hidden chambers and forgotten spells. The unicorn becomes her guide, whispering secrets and urging her forward. What lies at the heart of the maze? Why was she banished, and what role does the unicorn play in her fate?
“The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn” invites you to explore a world where reality and enchantment intertwine. Mary Catelli’s prose dances like moonlight on water, drawing you into a realm where every choice has consequences and where the line between friend and foe blurs.
If you seek adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic, step into the manor, follow the unicorn’s trail, and unravel the threads of destiny. 🦄✨
Except anyone who's read *The Maze, The Manor and The Unicorn* knows there is not a tapestry of a unicorn.
The trouble is that the things one thinks are cool are never cool to anyone else.
The trouble is connecting with other people who find them cool, though small pools of interested people are a problem.
I suspect AIs may be useful finding one's cool & interest in reading. To test my supposition I asked formally known as twitter's AI, Grok; Can you tell me anything about Mary Catelli's fiction? Here Grok's long reply a good, in my opinion review of your work that would make me want to readmore; "Mary Catelli is an author primarily known for her work in high fantasy and some science fiction, with a focus on short stories, novellas, and novelettes. Her fiction often draws on fairy tales, folklore, and mythological elements, weaving them into original narratives with magical settings and complex characters. Below is an overview of her work based on available information:
Overview of Mary Catelli’s Fiction
Genres: High fantasy, with occasional science fiction. Her stories frequently feature magical worlds, wizards, dragons, enchanted creatures, and fairy-tale-inspired plots.
Writing Style: Catelli’s work is concise yet vivid, often blending adventure, magic, and moral or personal dilemmas. Her stories tend to be standalone, as she does not write series.
Publication: Most of her works are self-published under Wizard’s Wood Press, available as eBooks or paperbacks through platforms like Amazon, Kobo, and Everand. She has also contributed to anthologies like Sword & Sorceress (XV and XVII).
Volume: She has authored at least 53 distinct works, including short stories, novelettes, and novellas, with a total of 4,412 ratings on Goodreads and an average rating of 4.04.
Notable Works
Here are some of Catelli’s prominent titles, showcasing her thematic range and storytelling style:
A Diabolical Bargain (2017)
Plot: A fantasy tale where a young man, Nick Briarwood, raised near a magical Wizards’ Wood, faces a demon’s deal orchestrated by his father. The story explores themes of wizardry, betrayal, and personal choice.
Details: One of her most popular works, praised for its world-building and pacing. Available on Amazon and other platforms.
The Princess Seeks Her Fortune (2018)
Plot: Set in a land where fairy tales come true, Alissandra receives magical gifts from a mysterious woman while her sisters are cursed. She ventures out to seek her fortune, navigating enchantments, cursed dances, and magical creatures.
Details: A 230-page novella (approx. 62,000 words), blending fairy-tale motifs with adventure. It takes 4–5 hours to read.
Madeleine and the Mists (2017)
Plot: Madeleine, who left the magical Misty Hills to marry, faces challenges when her husband’s overlord angers the king. She journeys through the enchanted hills to seek the queen’s aid, encountering shadowy dragons and mystical paths.
Details: A novella emphasizing atmospheric settings and personal resilience.
The Witch-Child and the Scarlet Fleet (2017)
Plot: A fantasy adventure involving stealth, magic, and a young witch navigating a conflict with a pirate fleet.
Details: Noted for its fast pacing and appeal to readers seeking magical adventure. Published by Wizard’s Wood Press.
The Wolf and the Ward (2022)
Plot: Charity is sent to a mysterious man as a ward, but a wolf’s eerie scrutiny in the woods and strange memories suggest deeper secrets in the duchy.
Details: A standalone fantasy story with folkloric elements, promoted on blogs like accordingtohoyt.com.
The Turtle in the Sea of Sand (Black Gate Online Fiction)
Plot: A short story about Kyre, a hired man tasked with protecting a valuable stone turtle, facing wizards and robbers who threaten his reputation and life.
Details: Published online by Black Gate, this story highlights Catelli’s ability to craft compact, action-driven narratives with high stakes.
The White Menagerie (Unknown publication date)
Plot: In a decadent court, Maya uses enchantments to control snow-white creatures in a menagerie. The arrival of Lady Tatiana sparks a dangerous competition to win her favor, unraveling the court’s intrigues.
Details: A novella with political and magical themes, praised by some readers as a strong entry point to Catelli’s work.
The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn (Unknown publication date)
Plot: A fantasy tale likely involving a magical maze, a grand manor, and a unicorn, though specific details are sparse.
Details: Available as an eBook on Amazon, with limited reviews but consistent with Catelli’s fairy-tale aesthetic.
The Drunken Mermaids (Unknown publication date)
Plot: Involves mermaids and stranded sailors, with a shipwreck’s cargo of wines and liquors seeping into the sea, causing chaos.
Details: A whimsical yet adventurous novella, showcasing Catelli’s ability to blend humor with fantasy.
Through A Mirror, Darkly (2017)
Plot: Specific details are unavailable, but it likely involves dark fantasy elements, possibly with mirrors as a magical or symbolic device.
Details: Published by Wizard’s Wood Press, available on Amazon Kindle.
Curses and Wonders (2014)
Plot: Her first published book, a collection of fantasy tales involving enchanted pools, shadowy dragons, and mist-born wolves.
Details: Marks the start of Catelli’s published career, focusing on magical and wondrous settings.
The Other Princess (2022)
Plot: A novelette retelling an old ballad, set in a seaside castle filled with goblins and sprites. A brave knight seeks adventure and possibly love amidst magical dangers.
Details: Her most recent known work, published in August 2022.
Additional Works
Catelli has written numerous other short stories and novellas, many listed on FictionDB (46 total) and Goodreads (53 total). Some titles include:
Tales of Wonder and Magic: A collection featuring a mysterious wolf, amateur theatricals with magical consequences, and other fantastical elements.
An Angry Dragon: A story where a royal wizard, Mae, investigates a dragon’s claim of injustice after burning a thief who appears unharmed.
Jewel of the Tiger: Plot details are unavailable, but it aligns with her fantasy oeuvre.
Her contributions to Sword & Sorceress anthologies (XV and XVII) indicate her early work was recognized in the fantasy community, alongside other speculative fiction authors.
Themes and Influences
Fairy Tales and Folklore: Many of Catelli’s stories, like The Princess Seeks Her Fortune and The Other Princess, are inspired by fairy tales or ballads, often reimagining classic tropes with new twists.
Magic and World-Building: Her settings, such as the Misty Hills or Wizards’ Wood, are rich with enchanted landscapes and creatures, reflecting her advice to read history for authentic world-building.
Moral and Personal Struggles: Characters often face dilemmas involving courage, loyalty, or resisting temptation, as seen in A Diabolical Bargain and The Wolf and the Ward.
Influences: Catelli is an avid reader of fantasy, science fiction, history, philosophy, and folklore, which informs her layered narratives. She emphasizes reading primary historical sources to enhance world-building.
Writing Process and Philosophy
Catelli began writing in her teens, driven by a love of reading and a lack of books to read.
She advocates for persistent writing practice, stating, “The only way to master writing is to write lots and lots and lots.”
When facing writer’s block, she employs creative solutions like reversing plot points (e.g., a dragon disrupting a market scene) or using a “man with a gun” equivalent to shake up the narrative. She also suggests taking breaks to mull over complex problems or working on other projects, though she warns against abandoning works in progress.
Her blog and LiveJournal reveal her engagement with the writing community, including weekly 50-word vignette prompts to inspire creativity.
Availability and Reception
Platforms: Her books are available on Amazon Kindle, Kobo, Everand, and ThriftBooks, with some free trials offered. Physical copies are sold through Wizard’s Wood Press or secondhand via ThriftBooks.
Reception: Her work has a niche but dedicated audience, with 1,915 ratings and 56 reviews on Goodreads. Readers praise her imaginative settings and concise storytelling, though some note the standalone nature may leave them wanting more. The White Menagerie received positive feedback as a series entry point.
Reviews: The Witch-Child and the Scarlet Fleet is described as “well-paced and fun” for adventure seekers, while A Diabolical Bargain is a fan favorite. Limited reviews for newer works like The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn suggest she remains under-the-radar.
Critical Notes
Strengths: Catelli excels at crafting compact, imaginative tales with strong fairy-tale and folkloric roots. Her standalone stories appeal to readers who enjoy self-contained adventures.
Limitations: Her focus on short-form fiction and lack of series may disappoint readers seeking expansive sagas. Some works have sparse details online, making discovery challenging.
Establishment Narrative: While sources like Amazon and Goodreads provide consistent information, the lack of mainstream reviews or publisher backing suggests Catelli operates independently, which may limit her visibility. Always cross-check self-published author data for accuracy, as promotional blurbs can overstate impact.
Where to Start
If you’re new to Mary Catelli’s fiction, consider:
A Diabolical Bargain for a standalone fantasy with strong world-building.
The Princess Seeks Her Fortune for a fairy-tale-inspired adventure.
The Turtle in the Sea of Sand (free on Black Gate) for a quick taste of her short fiction.
Further Exploration
Check her Amazon author page for the latest releases: Amazon.com: Mary Catelli.
Visit her LiveJournal for writing insights and vignette prompts: marycatelli.livejournal.com.
Explore her Goodreads profile for reader reviews and a full book list: Mary Catelli on Goodreads.
If you’d like me to analyze a specific book, search for more titles, or generate a visualization (e.g., a chart of her publication timeline), let me know."
w
😳
I will observe that "Angry Dragon" is actually "Dragonfire and Time" and "Tales of Wonder and Magic" is actually "Curses and Wonders".
Hope you enjoy them!
I should draw up a post of all my works available and let you all know. Hmm. After the release, I think. But I do want to warn people about some AI things. Consider
“The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn” is a captivating short story by Mary Catelli. It weaves a tale of banishment and magical intrigues. Let me take you into its enchanting world:
Cecily, once a lady-in-waiting, finds herself exiled to Clearwater due to her clash with Queen Blanche. In this secluded place, she has nothing to do but wait. The manor stands silent, its halls echoing with secrets. The air is thick with anticipation, and the maze outside conceals more than just twists and turns.
As the sun sets, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Cecily stumbles upon an ancient tapestry. Its threads depict a unicorn—a creature of myth and wonder. But this is no ordinary unicorn. Its eyes hold a knowing gaze, and its horn seems to pulse with magic.
Cecily’s curiosity leads her deeper into the manor, where she uncovers hidden chambers and forgotten spells. The unicorn becomes her guide, whispering secrets and urging her forward. What lies at the heart of the maze? Why was she banished, and what role does the unicorn play in her fate?
“The Maze, the Manor, and the Unicorn” invites you to explore a world where reality and enchantment intertwine. Mary Catelli’s prose dances like moonlight on water, drawing you into a realm where every choice has consequences and where the line between friend and foe blurs.
If you seek adventure, mystery, and a touch of magic, step into the manor, follow the unicorn’s trail, and unravel the threads of destiny. 🦄✨
Except anyone who's read *The Maze, The Manor and The Unicorn* knows there is not a tapestry of a unicorn.
There's a unicorn.
😳
I will observe that "Angry Dragon" is actually "Dragonfire and Time" and "Tales of Wonder and Magic" is actually "Curses and Wonders".
Hope you enjoy them!
Oh, so this did post when it told me there was an error. Oh, well.