If you’re here for business growth and strategy tips, don’t worry—you’ll find plenty of those in my Table of Contents.
Also, I am running a workshop on Friday at 4:30pm ET about my marketing strategy for my two businesses. Check that out here.
Don’t miss it if you’re looking to refine your marketing game!"
Creative Content Afoot
Have you ever read a story that leaves you questioning everything? You close the book, stare into space for a solid five minutes, and then immediately want to talk to someone about it. That’s Beyond Stories, an anthology packed with sci-fi wonders, supernatural chills, and mind-bending narratives that force you to wrestle with fate, free will, and the mysteries of the universe. And yes, I was lucky enough to contribute my own short story, which I’ll get into later. But first, let’s dive into some of these incredible pieces.
Why did this review take me so long? Well, I run two businesses, have a life (shockingly), and, honestly, I fell down a nerdy rabbit hole with Canva Pro. I got way too caught up adding audio files, videos, and clips to make this a full production. It turned into an unexpectedly epic project that took forever—but hey, that’s the creative process, right?
Also, I forgot some references in the video, so here they are.12 3
Whale Eater by James Kenwood (1:49)
This one had me gripping my coffee mug a little tighter. It’s a high-stakes space chase that reminded me of The Expanse4—gritty, intense, and full of that terrifying-yet-beautiful vastness of space. But then it hits you with an existential question: Is the giant cosmic whale a ship, a living being, or something in between? And should it even be hunted? The blend of deep-space physics and moral ambiguity is chef’s kiss perfection.
My Brother Shot an Angel by (5:20)
A horror story that makes you uncomfortable in the best way. Two brothers playing with their father’s rifle in the woods stumble upon something they never should have interfered with. And the result? An eerie, unsettling confrontation that makes you wonder—what if you accidentally hurt something divine? The storytelling is visceral, almost cinematic, and it left me contemplating guilt, innocence, and what happens when we cross lines that can’t be uncrossed. You can check out her other stuff here.
Death’s Last Whisper by (9:53)
This haunting poem personifies death as a living entity—arrogant, proud, and with a touch of eerie playfulness. But what makes it fascinating is how it subverts expectations. It suggests that even death itself is locked in an eternal power struggle, perhaps not as invincible as we often believe. The poetic language, the darkly beautiful imagery, and the chilling, lingering impact make this piece unforgettable. It’s a reflection on mortality, power, and the cycles of existence that none of us can escape.
Independent Monster Salvage by Danielle Minnaar (13:38)
Post-apocalyptic scavengers harvesting dead kaiju? Yes, please! This story gives off serious Thief: Deadly Shadows5 vibes—stealth, tension, and the desperate gamble of survival. I was on edge the entire time, half-expecting some horrifying secret to emerge from the monster’s remains.
The Time Traveler’s Kiss by (17:34)
Imagine being able to travel through time, not to change the past, but just to witness a moment you desperately miss. This is the heartbreaking core of The Time Traveler’s Kiss. It’s emotional, beautiful, and devastatingly bittersweet. Would you risk everything for one last glimpse of someone you love? Yeah, this one left a mark.
A Visit to the Cemetery on Christmas Day by (21:49)
What starts as a quiet moment of remembrance quickly turns into something sinister. Supernatural forces lurking in a cemetery? Yes, this gave me Supernatural (the TV show)6 nostalgia. But there’s something even deeper here—an exploration of grief, memory, and the things that refuse to stay buried.
Even in Death by (24:17)
This is psychological horror at its best. What do you do when an old friend, someone who should be full of life, returns to your doorstep looking drained—literally? The slow-burn terror builds as we realize that something dark and possessive lurks in the background. It’s not just a ghost story; it’s a metaphor for toxic relationships and the grip they can have on us long after they should be gone.
Also, I am working on a podcast episode where we nerded out together about all sorts of things—stay tuned!
Blessings & Curses: The Legacy Beyond Space & Time (By Yours Truly!) (29:36)
Okay, so this is my short story, and I have to admit—putting my own work out there was nerve-wracking. But I loved writing it. It’s about time, fate, and the weight of choices. What if time wasn’t linear? What if the past and future were tangled together in ways we couldn’t understand? My protagonist, Bridget, discovers hidden letters that hint at time’s true nature and a family legacy that transcends the normal flow of history. And, yes, my husband Blake inspired part of it! There may be a sequel brewing… we’ll see.
Locks & Mirrors, Horrors & Fears by (34:29)
If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, past trauma, or fears that feel like they have a physical grip on you, this story will hit home. The protagonist is trapped in a mirrored prison, surrounded by manifestations of their worst fears. And when the prison starts to crack, we’re left wondering—what happens when we face the things we’ve spent a lifetime avoiding? It’s psychological, metaphorical, and deeply powerful.
Final Thoughts & Where to Find Beyond Stories
If you love stories that make you think, that linger in your mind long after you finish them, Beyond Stories is for you. It’s an incredible mix of sci-fi, horror, and philosophy, all wrapped up in beautifully crafted narratives.
Also check out review 1 and 2 here and here where
’s stories are along with many other awesome authors. Also, I am working on another episode where Alexander and I nerded out about Twin Peaks and one of his newer books! Stay tuned for that episode too.If you want to check it out, you can grab a copy on Amazon (yes, I’ll drop my affiliate link because small business owners gotta eat, too).
Beyond Stories Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/4gNeFsM
And if you love nerding out about sci-fi, horror, writing, or business, join my Business for Nerds community on Substack, Facebook, or Telegram and now Discord. I also accidently started a Reddit account, I guess. Long story!
Anyway, the community is a safe space for overthinkers, deep thinkers, and creative misfits alike.
What do you think? Have you read Beyond Stories? Which story sticks with you the most? Drop a comment and let’s nerd out together!
Adams, D. (1979). The hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy. Pan Books.
O’Bannon, R. (Creator). (1999–2003). Farscape [TV series]. The Jim Henson Company, Nine Network, & Sci-Fi Channel.
Semenyuk, A. (2024). Beyond Stories. Self-published. Retrieved from https://amzn.to/4gNeFsM
Franck, J., & Abraham, T. (Creators). (2015–2022). The Expanse [TV series]. Alcon Entertainment; Amazon Studios; Syfy.
Ion Storm. (2004). Thief: Deadly Shadows [Video game]. Eidos Interactive.
Ellis, P. (Director), & Edlund, B. (Writer). (2009, April 23). Jump the Shark (Season 4, Episode 19) [TV series episode]. In E. Kripke (Executive Producer), Supernatural. Warner Bros. Television.
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