In Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories from Volumes I and II readers explore the full range of human emotions within stories that range from folklore to action and adventure tales. What was the inspiration behind this collection?

Being in my middle fifties and having traveled worldwide, I pull from some of my experiences or know how a story could be emotional and exciting for the reader. Some of the stories may have started from some nightmares I had. I hope the reader can feel the emotions in the story.

Do you have a favorite among these tales? One that resonates with you?

All the stories are meaningful to me, but picking one would be “The Girl of Stone River.” This was the first story I wrote, letting me feel like I had something I could share with others—reaching people’s emotions in just a short amount of time and giving hope in the end.

What were some themes that were important for you to explore within your stories?

We all go through hard times through this crazy thing called life. We talk about the people who made the trek West and, in doing so, being so vulnerable. We can all relate to some loss and how that changes us. Writing about what life was like in the 1800s and how some of their fears are still our fears today, like losing a child. I try to end my stories with something positive so we are not left with the loss.

Can fans of your work look forward to a third volume of flash fiction stories? What are you currently working on?

I’m working on my next book, but I’m unsure when it will be published. I thought about doing a few volumes as dark thrillers like Hitchhiker, but I think I’ll stick with what I have been writing.

One of the stories I’m working on is “Don’t Cross the Road.” A young lady in her early twenties escaping her abusive parents finds freedom living on a houseboat in the channels of England, constantly on the move, but a creepy old house across the road from her is too inviting to pass up.

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