Stanley Nesbitt

Born in ’91, Stan is an emerging writer with a passion for fantasy and horror, and graduated with a degree in Creative Writing from SNHU in 2023. Through all of this, he has been supported and encouraged by his wife, Kimberly, two kids, and family. He owes his love for video games, music, and fantasy all to his Mother, Stepfather, and Uncles. Born and raised in a small city in the middle of New York State, his unique perspective, shaped by poverty and learning disabilities, infuses his work with diverse experiences.

When it comes to his work, you’ll often find a blend of folklore and magic, but he’s not afraid to delve into cultural issues or discrimination. His short fiction, ‘Sting of the Black Mire Beast,’ secured first place in the Writers Workout Fiction contest, marking his debut in the writing community. He has contributed to the conceptualizing and writing for MonsterGarden’s book and YouTube channel.

A Coin for Respite

Sixteen-year-old William faces an impossible choice as his mother’s terminal illness leaves his family teetering on the edge in the desolate town of Port Kurd. With scarce opportunities and dwindling resources, William’s desperation peaks when a crew of wealthy, cursed sailors docks in their port. They offer a chance, albeit perilous, for the coin crucial to his family’s survival.

Confronted with a fateful decision, William must choose- watch his family succumb to hardship in Port Kurd or brave the dangers posed by supernatural threats and adversaries aboard the cursed vessel. Life aboard the accursed ship, the Dirty Oar, becomes a crucible, testing William’s physical endurance and mental fortitude.

Determined to earn both the crew’s trust and the coin, William embarks on a treacherous journey under the guidance of the enigmatic, flesh-shaping captain Hark. During his journey, he’s left asking himself one crucial question. Can William help save his family, crew, or even himself while surviving what awaits?