Happy Birthday, Erik!

On September 23, 1909, a writer by the name of Gaston Leroux published the first installment of Le Fantôme de l'Opéra in Le Gaulois. The story ran through January 8, 1910, and was not much of a success, even when it came out in book form. There were times when it even went out of print. Then a man by the name of Andrew Lloyd Webber came along and wrote a musical based upon Leroux’s book. From that time on, sales of the book skyrocketed. This year, Erik—the mysterious Phantom of the Opera—observed his centennial anniversary. To help celebrate this auspicious event, the members of The Write Stuff, an online community of readers, writers and lovers of all things Phantom, held a writing contest. This book is the result of this contest, and a labor of love by all involved. Inside, you will find drabbles, ficlets and short stories that celebrate Erik in all his incarnations—from mysterious and monstrous, to romantic and fluffy. All you are asked to do is read and enjoy!