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Demons Were Banished
Storms is a heartfelt coming-of-age tale where eight-year-old Annie Ryan faces the emotional turbulence of family, loss, and identity during a storm-ridden caravan journey across 1970s Australia. What inspired you to tell this story through the eyes of an eight-year-old?
I felt that it would have more of an impact if it were told by the person who was the same age, rather than as a retelling from the benefit of the perspective of age. These events happened to the child, not the adult, and as time passes, we tend to gloss over events. I didn’t want that for Annie. These events were real for her, and they needed to remain that way.
How much of Storms is drawn from your own life, and what was the most difficult part of the book to write emotionally?
The book is a fictionalised account of my own experience as an 8-year-old travelling in a caravan with the rest of the family. Most of the events are real, with a few exceptions. For example, my stepfather didn’t die until I was pregnant with my fifth child; however, in Storms, he does meet an untimely end. The most difficult part to write emotionally was the sexual assault scene. My original draft had it all in graphic detail, but this was for my own benefit and was my way of expunging the event from my life. I was then able to sit back and write it so that it would still have an impact, but the graphic detail was no longer there. Although it was emotionally draining to write, it was also cathartic, and those particular demons were banished.
The metaphor of storms is used throughout. Was that a conscious framework from the start, or did it evolve as you wrote?
Yes, indeed it was. It was a stormy time from the perspective of the weather, which became a metaphor for the events of the whole year. Just like storms have their calm centres, so too did that year. This only made the turbulence of the key events stand out more. And like all storms, the storms of that year did end in rainbows and sunshine – literally and figuratively!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
That’s a very good question! I find myself at a bit of a standstill now, overwhelmed by all the stories I have in progress, and unable to focus on just one. I’d like to write Annie’s sequel, Snake in the Grass, and will do that soon. Before that, though, I hope to have a collection of Private Investigator/Detective stories ready for May 2026, but I will have to get a move on if I am to do that!
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Leaving their home in Brisbane, Australia, at the height of the 1974 floods during intense cyclonic weather, the Ryans set off on their epic journey, traveling ahead of the storms everywhere they go.
But storms of the heart are more difficult to navigate, and Annie faces more tragedy and heartache in this one year than a young girl should in a lifetime.
Award-winning author, Phoebe Wilby, was raised in Australia. She has lived in several countries and considers herself a ‘citizen of the world’.
Storms is her debut novel, following two short story collections and a memoir.
Time is of the Essence
Time is of the Essence by Phoebe Wilby presents a captivating collection of short stories, weaving together both fiction and nonfiction narratives that explore a range of human experiences. Each story offers a unique perspective, drawing readers into different worlds where characters confront love, fear, identity, and the unexpected twists life can throw at them. Among the standout stories is A Modern Fairy Tale, which kicks off the collection by posing the timeless question: can love truly conquer all? In A Moment in Time, the reader is taken on a suspenseful journey as a date teeters between promising and terrifying. Then there’s Blood Ties, where a character’s life is upended upon discovering the existence of a long-lost sibling. Lastly, Chemical Imbalance delves into the dark mind of Nigel, a chilling and delusional character who leaves an unforgettable mark on the reader.
Each story in Wilby’s collection is distinct, but they all share a common thread—uncertainty about whether a happy-ever-after is possible. The characters are rich and diverse, brimming with life and complexity. Nigel from Chemical Imbalance stands out as a particularly well-crafted villain, his darkness and delusion adding an eerie tension to the story. The settings, too, are meticulously chosen, each perfectly tailored to the tone of its respective narrative. Whether it’s the magical appearance of fairies in A Modern Fairy Tale, the tension of a disastrous date in A Moment in Time, or the life-altering revelations of Blood Ties, Wilby’s stories offer moments that both delight and surprise. The collection is well-curated, with many of the stories delivering fascinating plots and unexpected, yet satisfying, endings. One of the strengths of Time is of the Essence lies in its ability to keep readers guessing, never quite sure how things will resolve. Wilby’s storytelling creates just the right balance of suspense and emotion, making the journey through each tale both engaging and entertaining. The pacing can feel slow at times, and while the inclusion of nonfiction stories adds depth, they seem slightly out of place in a collection so dominated by fiction. Despite this, the book remains an enjoyable read overall, showcasing Wilby’s talent for storytelling.
For fans of short stories, Time is of the Essence is a stunning collection that promises to entertain and surprise. Phoebe Wilby’s skill in crafting compelling narratives makes this an enjoyable experience, and readers will undoubtedly look forward to seeing more from this author in the future.
Pages: 202 | ASIN : B075VXG637
LITERARY TITAN 