Debra Winkler's Writings:
Novels, Anthologies & Stories
Novels
Cycle of Coincidence
A coincidental meeting of two strangers aboard a flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam sets into motion a dangerous plan of intrigue, revenge, and murder because of mistaken identity. This is Debra’s debut novel.
Music from Wagner’s opera, “The Ring Cycle,” is a backdrop for this novel, especially “Ride of the Valkyries.”
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Published Anthologies
League of Utah Writers' 2024 Anthology, "Write Where You Belong"
Debra’s story, “Finding Write Where I Belong,” describes how the League’s Romance Chapter embraced her, supported her growth, and helped her discover where she truly belonged in the writing community.
The anthology itself is a celebration of that same community spirit — volunteers and members reaching out across time and space, nurturing writers and creating places to belong. To enhance the reading experience, Debra recommends listening to Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (Movement 2).
Love Is Complicated, A Romance Anthology
In “Despite All the Years,” Debra revisits the story of two high school sweethearts, separated by distance and miscommunication, who find each other again years later.
The anthology gathers love stories that prove even when love is messy, it’s always worth fighting for. Pair this reading with The Beatles’ “Let It Be,” which weaves its way through Debra’s tale.
Soulmate Syndrome: Certain Dark Things
Soulmate Syndrome: Box Full of Darkness
In one haunting piece, Debra tells of a woman who returns to bury her mother and children, only to uncover long-buried secrets in her ancestral manor.
This anthology invites readers into dark romantic realms where danger intertwines with passion. To set the proper tone, she recommends listening to the Irish melody “King of the Fairies.”
DARKNESS 101: Lessons Were Learned.
Debra pushes into horror territory with “In the Shadows,” a chilling tale of a woman attacked in a cemetery.
This anthology collects horror stories that challenge the boundaries of fear and survival. For accompaniment, she suggests Amy Stroup’s “In the Shadows.”
We Are Dangerous
Debra’s contribution, “Shifting Sands,” follows a woman’s perilous journey far from home as she fights to save her children.
The anthology gathers stories that explore danger, risk, and what people will endure for those they love. Debra pairs her story with Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For.”
So We Meet Again
In 100 words, Debra’s “The Funeral” tells of a mother and daughter’s encounter with a familiar stranger.
This anthology is a collection of ultra-short romance pieces packed with emotion. She suggests pairing it with Peabo Bryson’s “If Ever You’re in My Arms Again.”
Second Chance
Debra’s short story “Never in a Million Years” centers on a widow who joins a dating site, navigating hope, heartbreak, and unlikely possibilities.
The anthology brings together talented voices exploring second chances and new beginnings. The title hails from the 1958 song “Oh-Oh I’m Falling in Love Again.”
Darkness 102: Advanced Lessons Were Learned
Debra again ventures into horror with “Past the Cemetery” (a college-student walk past graves) and “My Family Legacy” (a woman confronting her lineage).
This anthology gathers 102 stories, each exactly 102 words — bite-sized nightmares tight and fearsome. For ambiance, she recommends Alexander Litvinovsky’s Tales of the Magic Tree: IV. Spider Knows His Craft.
More Novels Coming...
A French national treasure is about to be stolen but can a French agent and an American school teacher stop the thief?
A prominent attorney has been murdered and evidence shows the wife did it. But did she?
When a dead husband reappears after fifteen years, how can his ‘widow’ convince the U.S. Marshals she’s not involved with his past illegal deeds?
Short Stories On Demand for your Enjoyment
Granting a Leprechaun's
Wish for Love
Debra’s story, “Granting a Leprechaun’s Wish for Love,” won the Romance Chapter’s “Leprechauns in Love” Short Story Contest (stories were restricted to 200-400 words). It’s a cute story about two impish 3′ tall Leprechaun cousins who are best friends and gallivant around Ireland creating mischief. When one cousin falls in love, the other must figure out what to do. NOTE: In Ireland, nine is regarded as the most complete of all numbers because it’s the sum of 3×3.
Suggested music for listening while reading Debra’s story is the Irish tune, “Leprechaun Inn.”
My Inheritance
Becky’s grandfather had promised her an inheritance which would give her anything she desired, even the love of her life. Magic doesn’t happen in real life, does it?
A Villa on Lake Como
A Villa on Lake Como” is a lovely romance story about how a villa on Lake Como in Italy connects two people.
Rose-Colored Memory
Melody is going to find out how true her version of the past really is.
The piece of music that inspired this story is Edith Piaf’s “La Vie En Rose.” For some, this song speaks of how lovely the world is with love in your heart. For others, viewing the world through a rosy glow may be hiding the truth.
“Great effort. Keep up the good work!”
– Howard Seeley
A Murder of Crows
Can Ziara and Vlad save the world
on Halloween?
“Bad Moon Rising” by Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR) was connected to this story because it describes what bad things are coming.
“That was an interesting story. I enjoyed your world building.”
– Annalisa D.
Homer's Prank
Homer has been planning this prank for an entire year and now he’s ready to pull it off.
If Homer had listened to the words of the Otis Redding song, “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” he might have mellowed out and not been so angry.
When I Was Ten
*Non-fiction
A story about two young girls having to begin a new life without their parents.
The haunting melody of “Five Hundred Miles” (written by Hedy West and originally sung by Peter, Paul, & Mary) speaks about being far away from home and not being able to get back. This is how the two girls feel in the story.
“The story moved me deeply…”
– Jana Begovic,
Ariel Chart International Literary Journal,
Senior Editor
Nominated for 2022 Best of the Net Short Nonfiction by Ariel Chart International Literary Journal.
