My newest short story, “The Moonbeam Book” is out today!

“The Moonbeam Book” by Cidney Mayes

I am consistently drawn to examining femininity and dismantling patriarchy within my speculative fiction. This story, written in the spirit of dark Grimm fairy tales where the protagonist must learn a lesson at the expense of a usually gruesome sacrifice, examines the emotional, mental, and physical labor of women. At what price do women follow the ideals of society to find happiness? The idea that Elody claims a name for herself where every other character remains nameless, and rejects everything she thought would make her happy, leaves her with an empowered ending rather than a traditionally happy one. I am pleased to have this piece appear in Carmina Magazine, where issues of the present are cloaked in the trappings of old myths and legends.

CW: Parent death, self-harm