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Tabatha Wood
Tabatha Wood lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand and writes weird, dark, horror fiction and the occasional uplifting poem.
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Tabatha Wood lives in Wellington, the 'Coolest Little Capital' of Aotearoa, New Zealand. A self-proclaimed antisocial butterfly, she writes weird, unsettling fiction and dramatic poetry, mostly under the influence of strong coffee.
As a former English teacher and school library manager, her first published books were nonfiction guides aimed at professional educators. She now tutors from home while also working as a freelance writer and editor.
Her debut collection, DARK WINDS OVER WELLINGTON, was shortlisted for a Sir Julius Vogel award in 2020 and she made the AHWA Australian Shadows Awards shortlist three times in 2021 for her horror nonfiction and edited work. Her essay, “An Exploration of Menstruation in Horror and Dark Fiction” won the nonfiction category and was also shortlisted for an SJV.
Tabatha was the curator and lead editor for BLACK DOGS, BLACK TALES, a charity anthology raising money and awareness for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. Since it’s release in May 2020, the collection has raised over $1000 for the cause.
Tabatha has been published in numerous Things In The Well anthologies, the charity anthology TWISTED ANATOMY plus two antipodean horror/SpecFic magazines: Midnight Echo and Breach. You can find more of her writing and creative projects at her website: https://tabathawood.com or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/tlwood.wordweaver/
Fiction · Posts · Books
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Fiction
In the Shadow of the Moon, I Saw You Smile
Published May 1, 2021 · 2,073 words (8 minutes) · 122 views
Literary Fiction child motherhood ocean childbirth magic Grief
A story of birth, loss and renewal and the magic given to us by unknown gods. Content warning for child loss.
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Dedication
Published May 1, 2021 · 2,006 words (8 minutes) · 81 views
A professor tries to help their favourite student to ensure they pass their exams, but what is their real motive? Written for the New Zealand Writers College Short Story Competition 2019. Awarded an Honourable Mention.
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Long Drop
Published May 1, 2021 · 5,514 words (21 minutes) · 117 views
Horror Monsters trauma journey aotearoa mother parenting
A cross-country journey across the length of Aotearoa takes an unexpected turn for the worst when a mother and her daughter stumble upon some usual, bloodthirsty creatures.
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From Cradle to the Beast
Published Mar 30, 2021 · 1,668 words (7 minutes) · 133 views
Fantasy Family shapeshifting witches elements magic
A sneak peek into an ongoing story, a YA witch-themed fantasy. "You can't keep those memories when they're not yours to keep!" Four young sisters, and elemental witches, embark on a perilous journey to discover the truth about their mother's murder, entering a parallel reality where their minds are not their own.
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All The Laird's Men
Published Mar 23, 2021 · 3,095 words (12 minutes) · 213 views
Corporal Hopkins just wants to go home. After many years serving with the Laird’s Men, he deserves his freedom. But while the long war that fractured New Britain may be over, Raiders in the Scottish forests still pose a deadly threat. Charged with dismantling a roving horde, Hopkins and his elite unit are outnumbered and woefully unprepared for the real horror that awaits them. From the shadowy depths of the great Loch Ness, an ancient evil is rising.
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Fake Meat
Published Feb 20, 2021 · 2,671 words (10 minutes) · 271 views
Horror vegan cordyceps undead Burgers
Welly On A Plate is Wellington city’s annual food festival that everyone enjoys. But when mysterious new vegan burgers are added to the menu, they find this tasty delicacy has a hidden and terrifying secret.
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Dear Erica
Published Jan 22, 2021 · 1,595 words (6 minutes) · 1 like · 325 views
Fantasy Science Fiction hope lovers message in a bottle apologies
Flash fiction - a message in a bottle holds a deeper meaning for Erica's ex-husband when he is given the chance to share with her his final thoughts.
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Breathing Room
Published Jan 22, 2021 · 591 words (3 minutes) · 1 like · 261 views
Science Fiction flash fiction relationships quarantine longing space
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Choices
Published Jan 22, 2021 · 8,595 words (32 minutes) · 301 views
Fantasy Horror cancer strength death Grief rebirth new zealand lovers friendship choices
Death comes to everyone, but when she came to Wellington she came with a choice. A story of loss, grief and finding new beginnings. Content warning: Cancer. Suicide. Mental illness.
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From the Deep
Published Jan 22, 2021 · 4,247 words (16 minutes) · 278 views
Fantasy Science Fiction protection warrior Grief history child squid new zealand
Earthquakes are caused by monsters under the earth; a giant squid advances on Wellington, and a young boy knows the magic words to keep the city safe. But will his grieving father ever believe him?
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