Tails of the Apocalypse: the apocalypse from the animals' POV

I've been posting a lot about anthologies lately. Sci-fi anthologies are a great way to sample the work of new authors, and as you know, one series I've been involved with is the Future Chronicles, produced by the one and only Samuel Peralta. Today I'm proud to introduce another anthology I'll be part of with a short story set in the world of the Mayake Chronicles. If you're familiar with my dystopian series, you'll immediately recognize the name in the title: "Kael Takes Wings" is the story of how the trained falcon Kael became part of Athel's and Akaela's family.

Tails of the Apocalypse is a collection of dystopian/post-apocalyptic stories featuring animals. I read them all and I can tell you, this is one anthology that will make you cry and smile at the same time. It features bestselling and talented authors such as Nick Cole, Michael Bunker, David Bruns, Jennifer Ellis, Hank Garner and editor-in-chief Chris Pourteau, the mind behind this anthology. Oh, and the amazing artwork of Adam Hall. This amazing line-up of authors though is not the only reason why you'll want to buy this anthology. There's another good reason: $1 from every purchase goes to Pets for Vets.

"There are a number of unique aspects of this anthology, but the thing I'm most proud of is our partnership with Pets for Vets."

That's how author-editor Chris Pourteau talks about his latest project, Tails of the Apocalypse. Described as The Walking Dead meets The Incredible Journey, the collection includes short stories written by 14 of today's most innovative independent authors. Tails of the Apocalypse examines world-ending scenarios‚ from nuclear war to natural disasters to planetary pandemics featuring animals as main characters.

The idea came to Pourteau last spring after publishing his own short story, "Unconditional" about a dog searching for his boy, lost to the zombie apocalypse. The overwhelmingly positive response from readers made him think that maybe he'd hit a cultural nerve. And the idea for Tails of the Apocalypse was born.

Over the next six months, he recruited his writers--including four USA Today bestselling authors--edited their stories, developed cover art, and produced an anthology that R. J. Pineiro, author of The Fall calls: "One of the most original and captivating collections of end-of-the-world "tails" shown through the eyes of an amazing cast of unforgettable furry and feathered characters."

Giving Tails a Purpose

Even as the anthology took shape, Pourteau felt like he was missing something. The point of these wonderful stories about animals caught up in dystopian situations was about giving voice to those without the ability to speak for themselves. He decided he wanted to donate some of the profits from his self-funded project to an organization that helped animals.

It was one of his authors, David Bruns, also a US Navy vet, who suggested Pets for Vets. From the beginning, it was great fit. The name and the mission of the non-profit immediately resonated with Pourteau. And as Bruns and Pourteau have worked to drum up awareness of their project, they’ve found that the cause resonates with others as well.

Founded by animal trainer Clarissa Black, Pets for Vets matches shelter dogs with military veterans. Personnel train the animals as special companions for veterans suffering from emotional trauma, like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

"Three to four million dogs and cats are euthanized in shelters each year," says Ann Black, president of Pets for Vets. "And it's estimated that 20 percent of returning vets suffer from PTSD. Bringing them together provides a loving home for the pet and a caring companion for the vet. It's a win-win."

The Big Idea

Pourteau plans to donate $1.00 to Pets for Vets from every copy of Tails of the Apocalypse sold through the end of the calendar year, regardless of format‚ e-book, paperback, or audiobook. I'm honored that Pets for Vets allowed us to adopt them as a cause," Pourteau says. "My goal now is to write them a big check on January 1^st."

Want to Lend a Hand?

We're calling our project Tails for Vets. If you'd like to be part of the Tails for Vets movement, here's how you can help:

1. Join the Tails for Vets Street Team
   Get email updates and shareable content by joining the Tails Street Team. Facebook banners, a "badge" you can post online to show your support, and chances to win paperback and audiobook copies of Tails of the Apocalypse are all available to the Tails Street Team.
2. Buy the Book Tails of the Apocalypse launches on November 20^th, but you can preorder on Amazon now. Remember: $1 from every purchase goes to Pets for Vets.