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Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume III
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume III is an intriguing anthology of short stories that weave together themes of human endurance, love, sacrifice, and the unpredictability of life. Each chapter takes readers into a distinct vignette, ranging from historical dramas like “The New World” to contemporary reflections such as “AI Bot Gone Wrong.” The stories explore moments of vulnerability and resilience, making them accessible yet thought-provoking. Despite being compact in nature, the tales resonate with emotional depth and invite readers to ponder life’s trials.
I appreciated the writing’s ability to convey deep emotion in so few words. For instance, the story “The Disabled Veteran” beautifully captures the harrowing aftermath of war. The protagonist, Brandon, struggles with PTSD, and moments like his silent breakdown during a seemingly ordinary picnic are powerfully rendered. You can feel the weight of his memories pressing through the pages. I felt that some descriptions, such as the repetitious mention of explosions, felt slightly redundant and could have been condensed for greater impact.
Another standout story, “Don’t Cross the Road,” blends suspense with an emotional payoff. Agatha’s tense exploration of an eerie house kept me on edge, and the unexpected family reconciliation added a touching dimension. The pacing was mostly solid, but the inclusion of supernatural hints left me wanting either more closure or a deeper exploration of those elements. The premise of a possessive AI was intriguing in “AI Bot Gone Wrong” and was even a little chilling. The humor and absurdity of the situation added charm, and I found myself both amused and disturbed by Jenny’s vengeful antics.
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume III is perfect for readers who enjoy brief yet impactful storytelling. Each tale has its unique tone, from historical intrigue to modern cautionary tales, making it a versatile read. I’d recommend it to fans of short fiction who appreciate a mix of drama, suspense, and emotional grit.
Pages: 56 | ASIN: B0DMSW8XDF
This Crazy Thing Called Life
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.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Amazon
A collection of stories of people confronted with life’s misfortunes and how the events change them. From the folklore of the East Coast to the early West adventures and some lasting wartime effects. Brian also explores the dark side of people in our society. Each story is an emotional ride as you get to know the people in the stories.
We All Feel Emotion
Trials and Tribulations Volume 1 offers a rich tapestry of flash fiction stories, each set against a backdrop of varied historical periods. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?
Writing about what our ancestors could have gone through moving West is fascinating, as well as what they endured or sometimes didn’t make it. Living in New England, we often hear about hauntings and ghosts. Some being helpful, some not so much. Some stories are from nightmares, while others develop while I write them. I started writing a few stories, and with the support of friends and family, I kept writing.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Whether we believe in God or something else, we all face life’s trials and tribulations. Hopefully, we all have a love of family helping our neighbors in a time of need. We should remember what our military is going through on deployments and what our Veterans are still going through. With the loss of my father, I shared a little bit of our bond in chapter 1. We also looked at how someone’s action can impact others around them.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
We all feel emotion, so by looking at fiction, we can create an emotional ride for our readers. I research my stories to sound realistic, but part way through, I may want to go another direction. Writing fiction gives us the option to do that. Not knowing the end of the story is inviting to readers, so I use a turn of events to keep the reader guessing what’s going to happen next, and it helps with emotional surprises.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Trials and Tribulations: A Collection of Flash Fiction Stories Volume II should be ready by the end of February. Volume II will continue what I started in Volume I. We will return to the West’s prairies and explore New England. I went through different historical periods and felt the ups and downs of the characters. There will be more unexpected turns as you follow the characters.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook
Trials and Tribulations
Trials and Tribulations Volume 1 by Brian Keith Higgins offers a rich tapestry of flash fiction stories, each set against a backdrop of varied historical periods. This collection elegantly weaves together themes of love, family, loss, and the complexities of life. Higgins masterfully blends these themes with elements of the supernatural, creating a series of narratives that are as thought-provoking as they are heartfelt. The book stands out for its spiritual undercurrent, making it a particularly resonant read for those interested in exploring spiritual themes through the lens of different eras.
The narrative style is both straightforward and engaging, facilitating an enjoyable reading experience. Higgins’ skillful portrayal of characters navigating life’s challenges is notable, evoking a sense of relatability and empathy. Particularly striking is the opening story, which deals with parental loss. It serves as a powerful introduction to the collection, showcasing Higgins’ ability to convey deep emotions effectively. The varied historical settings add an additional layer of interest, imbuing the stories with a sense of timelessness and universality. The succinct nature of these tales is one of their charms, as they frequently surprise the reader with their unexpected turns, creating a memorable experience. A touch of expanded description might add further richness to the stories’ quick pace, offering a more immersive experience without detracting from their brisk, engaging rhythm.
Trials and Tribulations Volume 1 is a commendable work, especially appealing to those who appreciate short, straightforward stories that encapsulate life’s myriad challenges and joys. It is a collection that invites reflection, offering insights into the human experience across various historical contexts.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0CQH98VZX
LITERARY TITAN 