Blog Archives
East Texas Flavor
What Is Unseen is a tender, character-driven story set in East Texas, where three lives intertwined by loss and moral struggle seek redemption and meaning amid faith, pain, and unseen grace. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live in East Texas. I have seen these stories manifested in the lives of people I know. The culture, in its own unique way, has common threads with other human joys and struggles throughout time. I wanted people to hear these stories in a compelling and literary fashion with a uniquely East Texas flavor. I also want to share these stories with my grandchildren and generations to come.
What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
Hope, faith, love, fortitude, courage, justice, and kindness.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I was primarily interested in showing how the East Texas heroes in this story used the driving ideals mentioned above to combat the following evils:
Envy
Greed
Racism
Corruption
Pride
Laziness
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
An anthology of short stories, Tales from the Texas Timberlands, Volume 2.
It should be available by May 2026.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Living with his family in Connecticut had been his life. Without her, he has no hope. His mother invites him and the children to live with her in Three Oaks, Texas, his hometown. In Three Oaks, he finds renewed friendships, spiritual awakening and love. But he, his friends and his newfound love are also battered by the unseen evils of self-centeredness, envy, jealousy, greed, racism, power-grabbing and political corruption.
Kyle discovers an unseen hope and with his friends leads the battle to overcome the evil pervading their community.
The Meteor Symphony: Stories and Poems
The Meteor Symphony is a colorful mix of short stories, poems, and microfiction, stitched together with music, humor, grief, and hope. It moves from tales of jazz musicians and stolen saxophones to intimate portraits of aging, love, heartbreak, and resilience. Some pieces lean into whimsy, others lean into sorrow, and many hover in the strange, honest space in between. The title story ties it all together with an imaginative search for a lost symphony, but the book itself feels like a symphony of voices, moods, and rhythms.
I enjoyed the range in this book. One page had me laughing at the absurdity of a sax heist, and the next had me sitting with the weight of a widow’s quiet grief. Burke writes with sharp clarity, yet there’s also a looseness in her storytelling that feels natural, like listening to a friend talk late into the night. I loved that she didn’t try to polish away the odd details. People misstep, conversations derail, feelings clash, and it all feels real. At times, the jumps between stories and poems felt a little jarring, but in a way, that’s what made it lively. The collection refuses to settle into one mood.
I also found myself connecting with her fascination with ordinary people. She doesn’t write grand heroes or villains, but flawed, funny, messy people. That resonated with me. Her style is direct but not cold, and she doesn’t shy away from emotions. Some of the poems hit me harder than the stories, brief as they were, because they carried that distilled punch of truth.
I’d say this book is best for readers who like variety, who don’t mind skipping from lighthearted banter to heavier reflections, and who enjoy the intimacy of short-form writing. If you’re open to being surprised, amused, and sometimes gutted all in one sitting, Burke’s collection is worth your time. I’d recommend it to anyone who loves music, who has wrestled with family, or who has ever paused at sunset and felt the ache of beauty and loss in the same breath.
Pages: 114 | ASIN : B0DTJ37FVK
The Shackles of Time
Jesse Rosenbaum has an extraordinary knack for storytelling that feels electric and fresh. The Shackles of Time is a wild ride through a kaleidoscope of twisted realities, blending horror, sci-fi, and suspense. But it’s not just the genres that make this collection shine. It’s the way Rosenbaum pulls you into the scenes. Every moment unfolds vividly, almost like you’re watching a gripping movie play out in your mind.
The stories grip you with their intensity and originality. In “Eighty-Six,” Carmen grapples with her haunting past inside a desolate diner where the relentless rain seems alive with secrets. Then there’s “Downtime,” where time freezes mid-chaos, leaving you questioning what you’d do in such an unthinkable moment.
Rosenbaum doesn’t just tell tales; he throws you curveballs that leave your mind racing and your heart pounding. What truly sets this book apart is the characters. They feel raw and real. Carmen battles guilt and trauma, while Jankowski wrestles with a boss’s arrogance in a haunted theater basement. Their flaws make them human, their fears make them relatable, and their resilience makes them unforgettable. These are people you feel like you know.
The book’s atmosphere is an artful blend of retro and modern. It channels the eerie charm of The Twilight Zone but wraps it in today’s relatable complexities. Rosenbaum’s pacing is also excellent. He builds tension like a DJ holding the beat just before the drop, keeping you hooked until the final, unexpected twist.
If you love stories that challenge your mind and stir your emotions, The Shackles of Time is a must-read. Jesse Rosenbaum creates immersive experiences that linger with you long after the last page.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 978-1304544285
Twists and Turns
Once Upon a Time Machine is a dazzling anthology of short stories that traverse genres, from time travel to alien encounters, with themes ranging from heartbreak to whimsical absurdity. What was the inspiration for this collection of short stories?
I am inspired by everyday life. Is there anything more absurd than that? Some of my ideas come directly from weird news stories, while others are just continuations of something that happened to me during the day. For example, in the story “The Mystical Rock,” Annie trips on a rock and it changes her luck. That story was hatched the day I tripped on a mangled coat hanger and felt lucky not to be injured.
What draws you to the genre of speculative fiction and makes it ripe for you to write such great short stories in it?
When I was seven years old, I watched my first episode of Star Trek and was immediately hooked on science fiction. I was fascinated by the idea of time travel, aliens, and visiting different worlds. I then began watching The Twilight Zone and was mesmerized by the brilliant stories, and excited by all the twists and turns each episode would take. When I began to write, it felt only natural to write about the things I loved.
What story in the collection did you have the most fun writing?
This is a very hard question. It’s almost like asking which one of my children I have the most fun with. Truthfully, I had fun writing all of the stories, even the serious ones. Two of my quirkier stories, “The Pet from Outer Space” and “Necessary Exclusion” were particularly fun because I actually laughed out loud as I was writing them.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out and what can your fans expect in that collection?
Not a series, but there will be a new collection of short stories entitled Twice Upon a Time Machine, which I hope to get started on early in the next year.
Author Links: X (Twitter) | Website | Amazon
Once Upon a Time Machine is a journey through the eerie and enchanting, where ghosts linger, aliens visit, and time itself is a plaything. A collection of speculative fiction shorts from author Peggy Gerber, each page is an invitation to step into a world where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary. Prepare to be enchanted, unsettled, and thoroughly entertained…because we could all use a little magic in our lives.
Answering the Human Question: A Gnome’s Essays on Mankind
Answering the Human Question is a reflective narrative that imagines a world where humans coexist with mythical creatures like gnomes, elves, and dwarves. Told from the perspective of a seasoned gnome, the story delves into humanity’s evolution, from their early steps into civilization to their complex societies and struggles against darker forces. The narrator, a gnome who’s studied humanity over centuries, documents his interactions with humans, weaving history, philosophy, and cultural reflections into a unique series of essays that ponder what it means to be human.
One thing that stands out to me is the narrative voice. The gnome’s voice feels timeless yet quirky, which gives the prose a humorous edge despite the heavy themes. For instance, in the early chapters, the gnome recounts his first meeting with a human family led by Baruk and Jhalyah, nomads striving to survive in a dangerous world. The gnome’s earnest attempts to communicate with them using basic Elvish and their eventual bonding over a shared meal show the gentle humor and wonder of cross-cultural exchanges. The warmth in these interactions makes readers feel the gnome’s attachment to humanity and shows a rare vulnerability in how he admires humans’ resilience despite their fragility.
The gnome’s musings on humanity’s tendency toward conflict also bring a critical but thoughtful tone to the book. When discussing the brutal wars of the “Jaramites,” a later generation of human warriors, he seems almost mournful, especially in his reflections on Varr Scarhand, a warrior king who turns his people’s peaceful legacy into one of violence. The gnome sees this as a tragic turn, almost a betrayal of his early friends, Baruk and Jhalyah. He questions whether humans are truly learning or just repeating the same mistakes with new tools, and his sadness makes these sections resonate with readers who may feel the weight of human history’s cycles of violence and innovation.
However, it’s in the more philosophical sections that I think the book shines. In the concluding essays, the gnome considers the Elderkin Council’s debate on the “Human Question”: Should the Elderkin (the mythical races) welcome humans as equals, or are they fated to remain as lessers? The gnome’s arguments on humanity’s creativity, ambition, and contradictions are compelling. He highlights moments like the rise of Andrwyn the Great, a human king who unites tribes and promotes peace and education, as proof of human potential. The gnome’s admiration for humanity’s ability to dream and achieve something lasting amid mortality leaves readers with a sense of hope.
Answering the Human Question is ideal for fans of fantasy and philosophical thought experiments alike. It’s a reflective and surprisingly touching exploration of the human condition, seen through the eyes of an immortal, who is, in his own way, captivated by humanity. This book would be perfect for readers who enjoy the lore and ethical explorations in works like Tolkien’s or Pratchett’s but are looking for a unique, first-person philosophical twist.
Pages: 155 | ASIN : B0CW1FX44G
No One Was in Physical Danger
12 New Christmas Stories is a heartwarming and nostalgic collection of short stories, each offering a different perspective on the holiday season. What was the collaboration process like with all the different authors, how did you choose what stories to include?
Smooth as cream, mostly. Any rough patches were of my own rasping. You see, my collaborators are all more civilized than I. The fact that our interactions were conducted exclusively via the ether, no one was ever in physical danger. C’mon, we’re geezers. People our age don’t come to blows, we just sigh expressively—even when one is barely housebroken. And I’m not talking about the Big Dawg, either. Sorry, an inside joke.
I’m not sure how my book-mates chose their stories, but when Terry Broxson asked me to contribute, I knew he wanted me to include Jesus and Donkey. When he asked for two more stories, I decided on Million Dollar Christmas, and Jo-Jo’s Turkey. All three stories are built around young boys experiencing the Christmas Spirit in an adult way. Read together, it’s a boyish Christmas trilogy.
What were some goals you set for yourself with this anthology?
A Pulitzer, a phone call from Stephen Spielberg, and a nice letter from my 7th grade English teacher, Miss Eliza McCarthy. Sadly, Miss McCarthy has passed. But that doesn’t take you off the hook, Spielberg!
Are you working on any other collections for different holidays?
I haven’t broached the idea to my book-mates yet, but I’ve always felt Saint Swithin’s Day has gotten short shrift. Failing that, opening day of the Major League Baseball season offers lots of possibilities. No, I ain’t kidding. I’m thinking nine original stories—one per inning. While the game seesaws in the background, each inning, we feature a story about something happening in the stands, or the dugout, or the broadcast booth, or the concession stands, or the Men’s room, for that matter. Just one caveat: I won’t take part unless the setting is Fenway Park. And that’s final.
Christmas is a time for family and traditions—the foods we eat, the songs we sing, and the stories we share.
Within the covers of this book reside real and fictional families, both familiar and unfamiliar. What they all have in common is the Christmas Spirit—in spades. These are the kind of people you’d gleefully invite to share your dining room table on the most celebrated day of the Christian calendar.
We, the authors of these stories, know the world spins faster and faster every day, and the holidays can be particularly hectic. That’s why we chose these lovely stories that can be read in ten minutes or less. Hey, even a teenager can be coaxed from his or her phone for ten inspiring minutes, right?
12 New Christmas Stories
12 New Christmas Stories is a heartwarming and nostalgic collection of short stories, each offering a different perspective on the holiday season. Ranging from touching tales of family traditions to humorous fictional adventures, it’s a book that seeks to capture the essence of Christmas. Each author presents their own style, making it a delightful read for those who enjoy variety. You’ll find yourself drifting from the high deserts of New Mexico to cozy family living rooms, all while reflecting on the themes of love, kindness, and the magic of the season.
What I loved most was how relatable many of these stories were. Diane Kenel-Truelove’s “The Magic of Santa’s Christmas Box” really pulled at my heartstrings. She took me back to my own childhood, reminding me of those magical moments when Christmas seemed larger than life and was filled with mystery and wonder. The story about receiving a box of books from Santa transported me back to the days when even the smallest gestures during the holidays felt magical. The emotions it stirred were incredibly powerful. There’s something so simple and beautiful about remembering how special Christmas felt as a child.
Terry Broxson’s “The Christmas Tree,” stands out for its blend of whimsical fantasy and heartwarming tradition. The story is narrated through a conversation between the protagonist and his talking cat, Holly, who recounts a fascinating tale about the origin of their Christmas tree tradition in the Arapaho tribe. Broxson weaves humor into the narrative, especially in the playful dynamic between the cat and its owner, but the story also carries deeper themes of peace, unity, and the blending of cultures. The historical backdrop of Kit Carson and Native American customs, combined with the quirky cat’s storytelling, gives this Christmas tale a unique charm that feels both magical and thoughtful.
On the other hand, Lee Allen Hill’s “Jesús and Donkey” was lighthearted and fun but also had a deeper emotional core. This story about a boy in New Mexico trying to buy a turkey for his Christmas dinner was charming and felt like a love letter to simpler times. Hill’s writing paints vivid scenes and made me feel like I was alongside Jesús and his quirky dog, Donkey. The playful humor between the characters and the unexpected turn with the mountain lion added a nice twist. It reminded me of those feel-good holiday movies that leave you smiling at the end.
Jay Squires’ essay “Bring Back the Carolers” hit me right in the nostalgia. The way he reminisces about the simple joy of carolers and homemade hot cocoa made me yearn for a time when the holidays felt more communal. His writing was almost poetic, bringing the past alive with such vivid detail. His words felt like a gentle nudge toward rekindling old-fashioned holiday spirit.
Pages: 95 | ASIN : B0DBVCLX3S
Town and Country: Voices from the Mid-Ohio Valley
Town and Country: Voices from the Mid-Ohio Valley, by Carl Parsons, is a collection of short stories divided into two parts, each offering a glimpse into the lives of small-town and rural characters. The book delves into the experiences, regrets, and sometimes peculiar situations that define life in the Mid-Ohio Valley. Parsons brings to life a world filled with nostalgia, longing, and an ever-present connection to place, capturing the essence of this region through a cast of vividly drawn characters.
Right away, Parsons’ knack for setting the scene stands out. The details pull you in. The first story, “Regrets,” hits hard with a wave of melancholy. The main character returns to his hometown, and the changes he sees stir up deep emotions. The descriptions and streets once familiar have now been altered by time—strike a chord. They spark a bittersweet sense of longing. His journey through old memories are heartbreaking and real. Small moments, like feeding his cats or driving past old spots, anchor the story in a way that feels personal and true. At times, the writing takes its time, allowing the reader to fully immerse in the scene. In “Hot Date,” the banter between the poker buddies is a perfect example. The dialogue is realistic, capturing the easy flow of conversation among friends. While the exchanges linger, they effectively portray the laid-back pace of small-town life. Parsons skillfully uses these moments to create a vivid sense of place, grounding the reader in the leisurely rhythm of everyday life. Themes of love, regret, loss, and time are timeless but Parsons gives them fresh life. “Judith and Phillip” is a standout. The story explores young love and its inevitable heartbreak. The innocence of their relationship shines through. Their separation feels gut-wrenching. Parsons doesn’t sugarcoat reality. Things fall apart, and the pain lingers. This story, like others in the collection, taps into emotions we all recognize. But it does so with a voice that feels distinctly Mid-Ohio Valley.
Town and Country is a reflective, thoughtful collection. It resonates with anyone who feels a deep connection to a place, whether with love or a sense of being stuck. This book is for those who enjoy literary fiction. It’s for readers who appreciate character-driven stories and settings that come alive. If you’re drawn to tales of small-town America, full of complexity and heart, Carl Parsons’ work is well worth exploring.
Pages: 181 | ASIN : B0DBH3RZDT
LITERARY TITAN 