Texts, chat, and tweets are making up an increasing amount of our communication these days -- even email has become blase. But how much meaning can get through in only 160 characters? Join in the exploration with eight stories from our collaborative authors, where we see how much trouble lies in a single poorly understood text message: "Remember 3/31? Need help desperately, not much time left. Please, you're the only one 2713311869101001 You know what to do. - Alex" Can Alex be helped? Will they arrive in time? Does anyone even know what this is about? From spaceships to spies, and comic books to crime bosses, find out in the latest volume from Authors Rising: The Message.

Take a seat at the table, ante up, and get ready to "read" your fellow players... In four stories about poker and the sometimes unusual players that make it so interesting, Authors Rising takes us on a tour of the game, from Mars to Milwaukee. Will Earth's first contact with an alien intelligence still leave time to finish a crucial Hold 'Em hand? Will a mid-level enforcer be able to stay in the game, or be forced out of the syndicate by a jealous Madam? Will a Captain's winnings be enough to save her ship once the shooting starts? Will Lady Luck unravel the bonds of a merc unit's brotherhood? Read these exciting new stories by our up-and-coming authors to find out!