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Inner Strength
In Next Stop, Boston, a young woman finds herself in the care of a temperamental rock-and-roller following her sister’s tragic death. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
The story is very loosely inspired by the old Fellini film classic La Strada. I wrote it for fun during one of the COVID surges. It encapsulates all my guilty pleasures–rock music, scandal-ridden rock star bios/memoirs, Hollywood gossip, fanfiction, and soap operas.
In addition to La Strada, the story is also inspired by other favorites, Janet Fitch’s White Oleander, Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the D’Urbervilles (my favorite novel as a teen), and the film Captain Fantastic.
The inspiration for the novel has its genesis to when I was a struggling theater actress in New York City in the early 1990s. I was called in by an off-off-Broadway theater company to participate in a play reading of a script about a young girl and a musician. I read the part of the young girl. The script was very well received, and I remember everyone commenting on how much it reminded them of La Strada. At the time, I didn’t see the movie, but later I did–several times. So, the germ of the idea began there. However, I put my own feminist spin on it because what was acceptable when the film came out in the early 1950s, doesn’t work in this modern post-MeToo era.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Other than my love of rock music, there is very little from my own life that I incorporated into Next Stop, Boston. I certainly don’t have any personal traits that are similar to Dez’s–that’s for sure. At least, I hope not. (I did stay one week at the Chelsea Hotel years ago, but that was in between apartments, and it wasn’t to score heroin). But I did enjoy writing him very much. It’s so much fun, even cathartic, to create a character most readers would consider to be the “villain” of the story. The thing about villains or morally ambiguous characters is they never consider themselves in that light. Not at all. They always think they’re in the right and everyone else is wrong! It’s very important to humanize them and invest them with a lot of nuance and dimension because if you don’t, you’re just going to create caricatures or stock villains with no depth or insight into their motivations.
I did base Val, the drummer who tries to help Geri, on a charming, cute drummer I briefly dated way back when. He was a sweetie, very similar to Val’s temperament and physicality. Sadly, I went on a few dates with him right before his band went on the road to promote an album and a video on MTV. Though we talked about picking up where we left off after the tour ended, I never saw him again. HA-HA. Musicians!
The only points of similarity I have with any of the characters in Next Stop, Boston would be with Geri in terms of her vulnerability, keen curiosity about the world, her sincere desire to improve herself, and her frustration at being misunderstood and dismissed by the adults around her considering her youth and neurodivergence. I’m not neurodivergent, but I was badly bullied when I was a young teen and still carry those wounds around with me as an older adult. That type of trauma can either strengthen, harden, or weaken you. I did incorporate some of that inner turmoil into Geri when I was working on her POV chapters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
If there is any message I wanted to convey with this story is how important self-reliance is in the end. Never depend on anyone for the validation of your self-worth. Depend on yourself and draw upon your inner strength to grow and move on.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
For my next novel, I am toying with an idea of a story that will take place in 1986. The story will draw a little on my crazy youth in New York City and those nutty survival jobs I took to pay the rent and buy food.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Finding Your Way
Disrupted follows a group of high school drama students who, after an earthquake shut down their school, set out to perform their production anyway and raise money for the repairs. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Many years ago, in a previous century, I was a high school drama teacher. I’ve never forgotten many of my students. I was a high school teacher during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, and I like to imagine all kinds of scenarios and “what-ifs” in my mind. I already had imagined Sandee Mason who appeared in a series of articles for Dramatics Magazine as well as an earlier novel of mine, Talent, and I imagined what would happen if she finally got the recognition she wanted and she worried that it would disappear after something catastrophic happened to the school.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
You never know what you might do when faced with circumstances beyond your control like the loss of a brother, a best buddy moving away, a new boy in town who makes your heart throb, or the strange way parents sometimes act. People’s motives aren’t always what they seem to be and as Atticus Finch said in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really know a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Loss of life, of home, of family
Courage to rise above things beyond your control
Overcoming obstacles like alcohol addiction, homelessness, and situations beyond your control
Finding your way when you feel different
Figuring out who you are
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I’ve thought about another book about Sandee Mason’s Senior Year, but right now I have an inspirational memoir on the back burner and am working on some flash pieces, plus author interviews, book reviews, and more for Writer Advice. I’m also doing a lot of thinking about a brand new story I’m not ready to share at all—but it’s a doozy, and will either be women’s fiction or memoir. Sometimes there’s a fine line between the two. Obviously, I am not on a linear track, and I can’t tell you when my next piece will be out.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Next Stop, Boston
Next Stop, Boston is a riveting tale that delves into the depths of love, tragedy, and personal transformation within the backdrop of the rock music scene and familial relationships. Iris Dorbian masterfully crafts a narrative that revolves around Geri, a young woman grappling with the aftermath of her sister Michelle’s tragic death, and Dez, a troubled rock star who unexpectedly becomes her guardian. Set against the electric atmosphere of backstage concerts, their complex relationship unfolds, driven by a shared history of loss and a bond forged in the fires of dysfunction.
From the outset, Dorbian captivates readers with Geri’s journey, from her humble beginnings to her immersion in the tumultuous world of rock and roll alongside Dez. The authenticity of their dynamic, fraught with tension yet laced with moments of unexpected connection, propels the narrative forward, ensnaring readers in its grip. The rich tapestry of characters, each intricately drawn with flaws and vulnerabilities that render them achingly human makes them relatable. Geri’s quest for self-discovery amidst the chaos of fame and personal tragedy, mirrored by Dez’s own inner turmoil, unfolds with a rawness that resonates deeply. Dorbian deftly navigates their emotional landscapes, presenting a nuanced exploration of grief, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships.
The rock music scene serves not merely as a backdrop but as a pulsating, vibrant force that infuses the narrative with energy and authenticity. Dorbian’s vivid descriptions of concerts and musical performances leap off the page, immersing readers in Geri and Dez’s world with palpable intensity. Through this lens, she explores themes of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of artistic expression, inviting readers to experience the transformative power of music alongside her characters.
Next Stop, Boston is a testament to Dorbian’s skill as a storyteller and her insightful exploration of the human condition. As the final pages are turned, readers are left with a lingering sense of both satisfaction and longing—a testament to the enduring impact of Geri and Dez’s journey. Dorbian’s novel is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the redemptive power of love, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and music enthusiasts alike.
Pages: 206 | ASIN : B0CLL32H97
True Community and Connection
Godspeed, Cedar Key follows a group of people stranded on an island after a mainland is destroyed who now have to learn to rely on one another without any technology to survive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Godspeed, Cedar Key is my debut novel. I have primarily been known as a playwright for the past decade. My last two plays premiered off-Broadway in New York City, and those two plays and several others continue to be produced regionally. There is a running joke among people that follow my writing, and I’m happy to be in on it. I only ever really write about one thing–the power and deep relevance of the extended families we create for ourselves. For this novel, I wanted to create a premise that would give me a vehicle to write about the incredible community I have witnessed living in Cedar Key. I am fairly obsessed with the island’s wild history and the common theme that runs throughout it–community. True community and connection that is so often promised in the modern age but seldom delivered. Wars, natural disasters, and calamities of all kinds have laid siege to Cedar Key over the past 180 years or so; no matter the challenge or the age, the little island persevered because folks looked out for one another. I like to call Godspeed, Cedar Key an anti-dystopian novel because, as your sharp review pointed out so compellingly, this story is about love and friendship pushing back against the darkness.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
Because I began my writing career in the theater, I learned quickly that any artifice in the characters I create and in the things they say or do would be exposed. Audience members and readers are too smart to accept anything that doesn’t ring true to them. Of course, I hope to create elevated characters that face meaningful trials a reader can see reflected in their own lives, but if the characters ever move outside of their fundamental motivations, even for a small bit of dialogue or a passing moment, the whole world I have created will tumble around them. I respect the reader’s time and interest in my story too much to give them anything but the truth–good, bad, ugly, or indifferent.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The essential need for human beings to live in true community with others.
Love and friendship as the only reasonable response to a world gone crazy.
The beauty of people living in close harmony with the natural world.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
There is a one-paragraph Epilogue at the end of the book that portends a continuation of the story. I have another novel in the works now called Trailer Park Elegy. I wrote a play of the same title and was so drawn in by the world and characters of that story that I wanted to flesh it out in novel form. Just after the release of Trailer Park Elegy, I intend to complete the second of a hopefully three-part series set on Cedar Key in the wake of societal collapse.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Kirkus Review | Amazon
Cedar Key is an island dangling off the western coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. On a chilly February morning, the horizon across the bay is enveloped in a microsecond of piercing light, and in an instant the old world is gone forever. Fires burn on horizons around the planet but the heat eventually gives way to the creeping monotone of the skies. The gray sets in overhead and all around, determined to keep the sun away from the land and waters.
In the new world, 300 islanders must learn to survive in the footprints of their forebears, battling invaders from the mainland, disease and natural disasters, and the compounding dread of hearing almost nothing from the wider world. This anti-dystopian novel is a quiet ode to the essential need for humans to live in true community with one another. Despite the loss of most technologies and modern comforts, the islanders persevere in the face of hardship and death– burying their loved ones in the morning and planting spring vegetables in the afternoon.
The deep friendship between the island’s mayor and an eccentric clam farmer underpin a story spanning three centuries of Cedar Key history. The triumphs and failures of past generations echo into the new world, as the islanders learn to lean on each other and their shared history.
The Gulf’s rich bounty and destructive power are a thrilling setting for a life-affirming story where love and friendship push back against the darkness.
A Story Forms In My Mind
The KEAK Anthology is a unique collection of your writing covering genres from mysteries and thrillers to nonfiction pieces and offers readers a peek into your previously published books. What inspired you to offer readers this anthology?
I enjoy reading different genres and to experiment in writing short stories or flash fiction of different genres. My goal in writing The KEAK Anthology was to offer my readers the same experience in one book. In addition I thought that compiling all my works in one volume, thereby the creation of the anthology, would provide my readers a flavor of the totality of my writings. I found from the reviews that my readers enjoyed the mixture of different genres. Each reader had their favorite story and enjoyed the diversity of genre and format offered.
Do you have one story among your short stories and flash fiction pieces that resonates with you?
I would say that my favorites are ‘Times Past’ and ‘Patient Zero’. The first story, Times Past, is my experimentation with writing a crime thriller. I was particularly interested in using my knowledge of forensic science without boring my reader. The story was well received. The second story was written while I was in the hospital for a sudden medical issue. I felt I had lost the element of control in my life, not unlike my protagonist in the story. It was my first science fiction story. ‘We The People of Earth’ was the next one to be written. I am currently writing another science fiction story on ‘Time Travel’.
You are adept at writing in a variety of genres. Is there one that comes more naturally to you than the others?
Actually, that is a difficult question to answer. I hear a phrase, a word, or a saying and a story gets formed in my mind. I do not select the genre, just the content. I immediately write the story and then determine where it fits, its genre.
What can fans look forward to seeing from you next? Are you currently working on a new release?
Yes, I am working on a memoir of my worldwide travels as a young scientist called ‘The Ardent Traveler’ and a treatise about ‘Our Changing Times’. The latter is about a lifetime of changes from technology to political and social changes. In addition, I am beginning a Children’s Fantasy Nonfiction series called ‘Dr. K’s Time Portal’ for ages 8-10. It is a chapter book. It teaches young minds about scientific principles, inventions, discoveries, through time travel and visits to the scientist responsible for work. For example, Book #1 is about Galileo, his life and his work as an astronomer, particularly his discovery of the first 4 moons of Jupiter, the phases of the Moon and Venus, and his confirmation of the heliocentric model of our Solar System. Book #1 is finished. Book #2 will be about Madame Curie.
Author links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Dive into the vibrant tapestry of the KEAK Anthology, where author Katherine Korkidis collaborates with her father, Artemios Korkidis, to weave a collection that spans genres and generations.
1. Short Stories: A Kaleidoscope of Genres
Explore sixteen captivating short stories, ranging from literary fiction to mystery, thriller, historical nonfiction and fiction, romance, science fiction, and realist literature. In “Patient Zero,” witness the delicate balance between utopia and dystopia, while “Times Past” entangles you in a web of sudden deaths and hidden intentions. “We The People of Earth” transcends our known space, and “The Battle of Crete” recounts the gripping memoir of witness Artemios Korkidis during the 1941 invasion.
2. Flash Fiction: A Symphony of Brief Narratives
Under the pseudonym Katherine Elizabeth Ann Bell, the author delves into the realm of flash fiction. These succinct narratives, averaging 360 words, peel back layers and progress stories with precision. From the dysfunction of “The Blind Man, the Blind Woman” to the power of closeness in “The Hug” and the importance of self-confidence in “The Performance,” each piece is a snapshot of emotion and movement.
3. Excerpts from Published Works: Glimpses into Worlds
Journey through excerpts from five novels, including “Josette,” “Daniel,” and “Josette and Daniel” from “The Story of Josette and Daniel” Trilogy. Carefully selected chapters invite readers into the minds and experiences of the protagonists, Josette and Daniel, offering a taste of the rich narratives that unfold across these published works.
My Lifetime Dream
The Maidservant in Cabin Number One follows a young woman trying to begin life anew as she puts the trials of her past life behind her and seeks employment as a maid in the tranquility of the mountains. Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
We had a cabin in the Lake Arrowhead mountains, and when I retired, I decided to fulfill my lifetime dream of writing novels. I read a story about an unsolved murder in one of the small towns up there, and it gave me the idea for the first book, The Man in Cabin Number Five.
My character, Annie Parker is turning eighty, and she wants to write about when she came up to the mountains to start over. She buys a series of 1920s cabins and discovers each one has a story to tell.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
Absolutely. I think everyone who writes, writes about memories, both good and bad, and then when you run out of those stories, you have to start making things up! For example, while I didn’t move up to the mountains after my divorce, I used that as the basis of book one, and carried the theme of starting over into each of the books.
Can fans of the The Guest Book series look forward to a fifth installment soon? If so, where will it take readers?
Absolutely! The Maidservant in Cabin Number One is really the beginning of the story; the history of the cabins before Annie bought them. And coming soon, Book Five, (of what was originally intended to be a trilogy) is the story of Annie until she turns eighty and decides to begin writing. It’ll be called Dear Noah.
Readers have asked if the series can be read as stand-alones, and, yes, they can. But for those who love this series, if you haven’t started reading yet, I’d begin with Book Four, The Beginning (The Maidservant) then go to The Man in Cabin Number Five, then The Girls in Cabin Number Three followed by The Starlet in Cabin Number Seven, and then finish it off with Book Five, Dear Noah.
The KEAK Anthology: A Collection of Short Stories and Much More
The KEAK Anthology, crafted by the collaborative effort of Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis and her father Artemios Korkidis, presents a diverse and engaging collection of stories that traverse a wide spectrum of literary genres. This anthology is neatly organized into three distinct sections: short stories, flash fiction, and excerpts from Korkidis’ previously published works. Each section showcases a unique aspect of the authors’ storytelling prowess.
The short stories in this anthology are a vivid display of genres, including literary fiction, mystery, thriller, historical nonfiction and fiction, romance, science fiction, and realist literature. Each story is a different hue in this richly colored literary tapestry, offering readers a variety of themes and styles. In the flash fiction segment, Katherine Korkidis, under the pseudonym Katherine Elizabeth Ann Bell, demonstrates her skill in crafting concise yet powerful narratives, each distilled into about 360 words. This section highlights the art of brevity in storytelling. The anthology’s third part features tantalizing glimpses into Korkidis’ five novels, introducing readers to the complex worlds and experiences of protagonists Josette and Daniel. These excerpts serve as an inviting preview into her broader literary work.
Throughout the anthology, Korkidis successfully maintains a balance between thought-provoking content and engaging storytelling. The stories are woven with themes of human emotion and experience, revealing the complexity of the human spirit. The book consistently surprises and delights with its twists and depth, keeping readers engrossed from start to finish. Korkidis’ versatility as a writer shines through in this anthology. Her ability to navigate various literary styles and genres is commendable, as is the thorough research evident in each section. This anthology is not just a showcase of Korkidis’ narrative skills but also an exploration of dark romance, optimism, and educational elements, all brought together in a harmoniously diverse collection.
The KEAK Anthology stands as a testament to Dr. Katherine E.A. Korkidis’ creative versatility and depth as an author. It’s a compelling read for those who appreciate a multifaceted approach to storytelling across genres.
Pages: 382 | ASIN : B0CHGVWFFJ
After Lisa
After Lisa by Joe Pace is a poignant exploration of grief, capturing the multifaceted experiences of Andrew Chester as he navigates life after the loss of his young wife, Lisa, to breast cancer. This narrative delves deeply into the complexities of sorrow, love, and resilience, offering an intimate glimpse into Andrew’s journey.
From the very beginning, Pace’s writing evokes a powerful emotional response. The depiction of Andy returning home from the hospice, burdened by his wife’s final words, is a vivid and touching scene. The story intricately portrays Andy’s struggle to reconcile his various roles – as a husband, widower, father, and more – all while being engulfed by grief. The presence of a supportive cast, including his friend Buddy, sister Nan, and two young children, adds layers to his experience, illustrating the challenges and nuances of moving forward. Pace’s narrative style is notable for its simplicity and effectiveness. His skillful use of imagery and the rich portrayal of Andy and Lisa’s life together make their story resonate deeply. The novel seamlessly weaves past and present, offering a holistic view of their relationship, encompassing the joys and challenges of love. The author’s handling of grief is particularly commendable. He captures the essence of this complex emotion, from its overwhelming emptiness to its intense pain, in a manner that is both relatable and profound.
Joe Pace’s After Lisa is more than just a story of loss; it’s a testament to the enduring nature of love and the human spirit’s capacity to heal. It acknowledges that love, in all its imperfections and with its blend of joy and sorrow, remains a powerful force, ever-present even in the face of loss.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0CPDFLM3P
LITERARY TITAN 