A Coup of Owls Press presents a series of short fiction available in paperback or ebook on the theme of being Othered.
Novella
Coming June 2026
Summer Nights, Cigarettes
& Spearmint Toothpaste
by James Edward Cook
As children, Adrian and Cyrus spent every summer together, forming a deep bond while Cyrus visited family in Scotland. But just as they were on the verge of childhood friendship blooming into something more, closely guarded secrets, teenage angst, and family drama drove them apart.
Now adults, Adrian is living in the US, trying to build a life for himself in Cyrus’s hometown. He’s not looking to reunite with his old friend, but when they inevitably run into each other, Adrian can’t help but be hopeful. There’s just one problem: Cyrus has no idea who Adrian is.
As Adrian and Cyrus grow close once more, will their new relationship survive Adrian’s decision not to reveal his identity? Or will the mask he clings on to destroy their chance to truly know — and love — each other, for good?
A tale of trans romance, Summer Nights, Cigarettes & Spearmint Toothpaste is a tender friends-to-lovers story told over multiple childhood summers and one unexpected, complicated reunion.
Cover artwork: Pangaea
Collections
Light Paths
(2026)
A queer fantasy romance two novelette collection. Light Paths features dungeons, princes, thieves and games of chance. With intriguing world-building and mysterious pasts, this collection is perfect for curling up in front of the fire on a cold night.
Two all new novelettes from: by Cinnamaldeide
and Johannes T. Evans.
Cover artwork: Marika Bailey
Dark Paths
(2025)
A queer horror romance four novelette collection. Dark Paths features crossroad visitations, gods, vampires and werewasps. This is a perfect horror for those looking for a collection that combines introspection and humour.
Four all new novelettes from: Amanda M. Blake, TT Madden, Clinton Seiter and Leigh V Twersky.
Cover artwork: Elliott Cassel
Anthologies
Other Worlds
(2024)
A diverse anthology from writers around the world. From distant lands to the distant future, “Other Worlds” features folklore, fantasy, speculative, horror, contemporary fiction, and science-fiction exploring places, communities, and situations that are othered.
Twelve all new stories from: Samir Sirk Morató, Briar Ripley Page, Chey Rivera, Busayo Akinmoju, Roxane Llanque, A.L. Davidson, Victor Okechukwu, Bhumika Anand, Von Reyes, Eve Morton, Christina Ladd, and Booker G. A. Feniks.
Cover artwork: Pangaea
Other & Different
(2023)
A diverse anthology from writers around the world. From prehistory to the not-too-distant future, “Other & Different” features folklore, fantasy, gothic, speculative, supernatural, sci-fi, weird, horror, and contemporary fiction exploring what it is to be other or different.
Thirteen all new stories from: Busayo Akinmoju, Malik Berry, A.M. Gautam, Anita Goveas, Heather Haigh, Miriam H. Harrison, Anastasia Jill, Avra Margariti, Kyungseo Min, Samir Sirk Morató, Corinne Pollard, Jonathan Olfert, and Marianne Xenos.
Cover artwork: Will Heron