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A Bit Against The Grain
The Burglar is the fast-paced and captivating story of Springer, a man who awakens to find himself face-to-face with an intruder stumbling around his apartment. Where did the idea for your thrilling short story come from?
It must have come from a movie I saw back in 1986 that I can’t remember the name of. Although I do remember the year I saw it, strangely enough, I don’t remember the film’s name. So, somewhere out there, there is an old flick that is somewhat similar to The Burglar.
There is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” So, although the flick was not on my mind when I sat down to type, I think it must have been lurking somewhere in my subconscious when I put my fingers to my keyboard.
I don’t remember exactly, but I think that in the film, there were two intruders who broke into a man’s home while he and his wife were there. I also don’t remember whether there was any weed smoking involved, like in The Burglar, but I do recall the homeowner happily getting drunk with one of the intruders while, get this, the other one seduced, as opposed to assaulted, his wife in their bedroom.
I didn’t get the feeling that the “victim” would care if he found out. I remember him being so indifferent and drunk, that to the intruder he contentedly drank with he said, “You will tell my wife that I put up a good fight, won’t you?” Or something along those lines.
His wife was just as indifferent because not only wasn’t she assaulted, she welcomed the second burglar’s attention. Go figure, or try to figure out what kind of mindset that husband and wife had. For me, it was a mind-boggling film that definitely left an imprint on my mind.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Everything about the human condition makes for great fiction, so it’s nice to read books that go a bit against the grain. You know, those that don’t read like a cliché.
Like I said earlier, there is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” so to find that one book or movie that stands out from the others because the creator tweaked what has become hackneyed, is always precious.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers as you developed the characters of Springer and the burglar?
It wasn’t important to me at all. My aim was to write a story that was out of the ordinary, not to espouse any particular position or another.
Can readers expect to see more from you soon?
Yes, of course. I am always writing. I have an independent online bookstore business that I have to keep going. Bookstore is the operative word. I write and publish more than just short stories. For that matter, those who know more about me know that I started out writing and continue to write and publish epic dark fantasy novels also.
Author Links: Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Website | Amazon | PennFawnBooks
The Burglar is that with a twist. The culprit’s inexperience, jitters, and nerves are at the forefront of what pushes this daring tale forward, where his name and almost nothing about his identity is ever disclosed. An examination of his mindset is what brings this fast-paced action feature to its twisted end.
The Burglar is the opening tale from a series of other short-form writings the author plans to individually release. They will then be published as a compilation.
Beautiful, Heartbreaking, Terrifying
“Goes On Without the World’s Understanding” is an anthology of short stories that thrusts readers into the journeys of diverse characters grappling with the scars of trauma, racism, and the intricacies of sexuality and identity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Inspiration for the thirteen stories came in a myriad of ways: my life; other people’s lives; a place or location; musings and imaginings and fantasies, often by posing a “What if…?”” or a “How about…?”; and three or four times where a character just appeared in my mind’s eye almost fully formed. All I have to do is listen very carefully to what they say and follow what they do. The most important thing is that, even if a character or situation is based in real life, I have to eventually see them and hear them as separate and different from myself. They have to be in their own person. That usually happens when they do or say something that surprises me in the very moment I’m writing, not planning or expecting or knowing what those actions or words will be.
What was your inspiration behind creating such diverse and complex characters in “Goes On Without the World’s Understanding”?
I wrote people and stories I wanted to read and wasn’t finding in anyone else’s writing. I’m impatient with the simplified, the reductive, the limited, the unimaginative ways identity and experience is filtered through expected tropes. There is no one kind of a sexual abuse survivor, no “right way” to survive, and no “correct” identity to be built around that experience. Just as whatever image is conjured by the label “older white gay male” or “young Black lesbian” isn’t ever going to be as complex and rich and contradictory as such people are in actual life. The characters in the thirteen stories run a gamut of ages, from eight-years-old to ninety-six-years old and some are at peace in their lives, others are on their way to some kind of healing, while still others are flailing in doing so. Some are at war with themselves, going under or perilously close to it. Human beings are a beautiful, heartbreaking, terrifying mix and mess of so many different elements. Those are the people I want to read about, so that’s who I write.
How did you balance the need to depict the stark realities of prejudice and discrimination with maintaining sensitivity and empathy?
There’s no need to make a conscious effort at “balance” as long I’m honest about those stark realities and imagine the inner worlds of the people who are in the midst of them. Empathy is not limited to or for one “kind” of person or identity. We all suffer, we all struggle, we all do our own version of crazy. And sometimes, even at the same time, we also experience joy, pleasure, wisdom. When I’m with a character, I’m with them all the way in all things.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve been revising two plays of mine from the 1980s, Catharsis and Monasteries, as there has been a renewed interest in them. Later this year, I’ll start a novella That Goddamned Red Rose which I’ve been turning over and mulling in my head for the last year. It will also contain three new short stories, two of which, Not a Very Nice Person and Philip’s Son, have been written and are currently marinating before I do another revision. I hope this book will be published by Spring 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In this new collection, Thomas Westerfield challenges our expectations about the stories that can be told regarding sexuality, race, love, abuse, trauma, art, and intergenerational relationships.
We meet, among others, a men’s sexual abuse group in rebellion against their earth mother therapist; a ninety-six-year-old gay cult writer who confronts a young queer interviewer; a burnt-out white professor playing dangerous academic games with his Black lesbian colleague; a teenager in a small Kentucky town in 1971 who experiences gay life for the first time through the movie, The Boys in the Band; a retired man sharing a Las Vegas roulette table with a lonely drunk college student celebrating his twenty-first birthday; a little boy terrified of what his Barbies will do to him in the dark of night; and a sex-trafficked young man, now free, explaining why he will never return to his family.
Some find acceptance, even peace, within the many contradictory and often warring elements of their hearts; some do not. But all are embraced with compassionate acceptance as they go on, without the world’s understanding.
We Can Rise Above It
Through over 80 narratives, STRONG explores the harrowing journeys of women from childhood adversity to eventual victory, showcasing their resilience and transformation in the face of trauma. Why was this an important book for you to publish?
I wanted people to know that no matter how difficult our early life may have been, we can rise above it. Our past need not define us. We can rewrite our story.
How did you approach the task of capturing the distinct experiences and emotions of each woman while also highlighting the shared strength and resilience they all possess?
I had no agenda or preset questions for our interviews. My approach was to see through her eyes as a silent observer. To feel what she felt as the smallest person in the room.
My task was to listen for the child’s thought process. I wanted to enter her world and hear her story, unfiltered, from her perspective as a small child, in the present tense, and not in the voice of an adult looking back and making observations on her life.
That part was easy.
The challenge was to compress the narrative into as few words as possible to fit the narrow confines of the book’s design, and then refine and smooth out the text into a quick, easy read. At times, I felt more like a sculptor than a writer, chiseling away anything not essential to the story.
The collaboration with artist Galih Winduadi adds a unique visual dimension to the book. How did you work together to ensure that the illustrations captured the essence of each narrative and enhanced the reader’s understanding?
I would not have embarked on this project without the visual dimension because I felt the drawings were as important as the text in conveying the child’s innocence.
I wanted the reader to experience each story as a piece of art, visually attractive and charming on the page, regardless of the sometimes-sordid subject matter.
The collaboration involved me, the child telling the story, the brilliant and patient artist Galih, Google Images and Google Translate.
Most of the women were surprisingly insistent that every detail be accurate—colors, clothing, patterns, textures, hair styles, facial expressions, room layouts, the view from the window. Because my artist does not speak English, you can imagine how challenging that was at times. In some instances, there were as many as eight or nine iterations before the storyteller and I felt we had captured the essence of her story.
What message or takeaway do you hope readers will gain from reading “STRONG” and the stories shared within it?
As I write in the book’s introduction, adults in general don’t show up well in many of these stories. As much as children suffer, it’s because the parents have suffered as well. They don’t realize they’re inflicting their own pain on the child. Unattended to, early childhood traumas pass on as intergenerational stress.
We can be better parents and teachers if we recognize the signs of adverse childhood events on young lives.
If we want to improve society in general, we need to start with decreasing childhood trauma and stress because that’s what drives our societal problems.
My deepest hope is that “STRONG” helps adults recognize that our children need to feel loved, connected, and safe at all times.
To the person who did not feel treasured as a child, the empowering message is, you survived. You are strong. You can rewrite your story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | LinkedIn
The memoirs read like intimate bits of conversation between best friends, overheard, at times in sordid detail.
These stories are in stark contradiction to the nostalgic ones we like to tell ourselves about the charms of childhood. They paint the picture of early years that are not all sunshine and rainbows. Some will amuse. Some will tear at your heart.
The author writes in a brief, clear, concise style. Original, full-color drawings capture the essence of each memory as seen through the eyes of the innocent child.
Endnotes reveal that through sheer strength and resilience, the women rose above adverse situations to achieve success in their respective fields: medicine, engineering, business, finance, consulting, construction, the C-Suite—despite the odds and gender bias that most women experience.
STRONG is not available in Kindle format. For one thing, the book is not designed to be read consecutively, cover to cover like a novel.
The intention is to draw the reader into the child’s world through the artwork. It is such an integral part of the reader’s experience that viewing digitally (especially on a tiny screen) does not do justice to the child’s memory.
A Collection of Tears
A Collection of Tears by Houa Lor presents an enthralling compilation of short stories that intricately explores the depths of human emotions and experiences. With eloquent prose and vivid storytelling, Lor takes readers on a captivating journey, providing glimpses of life that encapsulate both struggle and triumph.
One of the remarkable strengths of this collection lies in Lor’s impeccable mastery of character development. Each protagonist is meticulously crafted with remarkable depth and complexity, resulting in relatable and authentic individuals. Whether it is a grieving widow finding solace in her garden or a young boy grappling with the intricacies of identity, these characters come alive, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s psyche. The book’s resonant quality emanates from Lor’s evocative and poetic writing style. Through her vivid descriptions, readers are transported to the very core of the narratives, immersing themselves in diverse settings, ranging from the vibrant landscapes of rural villages to the bustling streets of cities. The author’s skillful use of imagery amplifies the emotional impact, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of each story. While fearlessly exploring themes of pain and sorrow, A Collection of Tears also provides glimpses of hope and resilience. Lor adeptly examines the human capacity to endure and find beauty even in the face of adversity. These narratives serve as powerful reminders of the transformative power of compassion, empathy, and the enduring bonds that connect us all.
A few pieces within the collection felt somewhat unfinished and certain endings left me yearning for more closure. Nevertheless, A Collection of Tears remains a beautifully written book that gracefully delves into the depths of the human experience, prompting readers to reflect on their own humanity. I recommend this book to those seeking a thought-provoking and evocative literary experience.
Makes Them Hunger For More
The Dog Stays weaves diverse narratives of love, loss, and self-discovery, expertly painting the human condition amid the pandemic, and offering readers an engaging literary journey through an eclectic range of characters. What inspired you to write and publish this book?
I was a Registered Nurse in Critical Care Unit. (now retired) and never had time to write fictional stories. But I always had an interest. And once I started to write and submit my short stories to flash fiction sites, the positive feedback, and the sheer enjoyment motivated me to continue. And eventually, I chose some of my favorites for the book.
The stories in ‘The Dog Stays’ offer a balance of dialogue, vivid descriptions, and introspection. How do you maintain this balance when writing short stories?
I want to engage the reader on an emotional level and keep them interested, so I try to incorporate description, dialogue and introspection into my short stories. Sometimes this is a difficult task and the balance between the three elements shifts. For instance, if I have only one character, I necessarily won’t include dialogue but may use introspection. This will encourage the reader to draw their own conclusions about the characters. Although my ultimate goal is to create a story that captures the reader’s imagination and makes them hunger for more.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this collection?
LOVE: I had witnessed humanity at its most vulnerable in my workplace and in everyday life.
Love was such a powerful emotion and universally relatable, I wanted it to appear in some of my stories.
“A Blue Baby Hat.” James displayed his love, vulnerability and devotion as he waited by his wife’s bedside.
“Frailty of Life.” The Love of a daughter for a mother who had dementia.
HOPE: Barbara sat by her husband’s bedside in “Please Stay.” She hoped and prayed that she would hear his voice, one final time.
LONELINESS: “George.” George waited by the door in the nursing home for his family. And he hoped they would visit that day.
But loneliness was also present in some of my stories after a family member lost a loved one to death or dementia.
BELONGING: “Rudolph.” The reindeer felt a need to be one of the ‘gang.’
POVERTY: “The Shelter.” The sad and lonely life of a homeless gentleman who had become invisible.
FORGIVENESS: “Flame.” The dragon (flame) and film director (Cedric) who eventually learned to work together.
HUMOR: A few of my stories made me laugh. And if I could make my readers laugh, giggle and thoroughly enjoy themselves then that was a good thing.
SUFFERING: Some of my characters were subjected to grief and suffering through loss. I felt it needed to be addressed in my stories.
In summary, I tried to apply one major and a few minor themes to my stories. But it all depended on their length.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am contemplating a second anthology of stories. Perhaps longer in length. I may even attempt a children’s story. I think my dragon “Flame” would make a wonderful subject. But I have yet to make a decision.
When is it available? If my creative juices continue to flow, it should be soon.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Website
Your phone rings just as you toss them on the kitchen table.When you answer, an automated messaging system causes your heart to rapidly beat in your chest. Your hands shake.Flustered, the phone slips from your grasp.
This collection of very short stories will delight readers interested in any genre.
Some may make you sad. Some may make you smile and laugh. Blush? Perhaps. But they promise to entertain. So please sit down, get comfortable and enjoy!
The Healing Book
The Healing Book: A Collection of Short Stories, authored by Dustin Grinnell, is a poignant anthology that takes readers on a journey alongside diverse characters as they confront personal challenges and seek a deeper sense of purpose. Comprising thirteen compelling short stories, this collection delves into various themes, ranging from the discovery of one’s own voice to providing solace to someone who may not be healed.
A standout story in the collection, titled The Healing Book, tells the tale of Dr. David Mitchel, a surgeon grappling with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. As he exhaustively explores every possible avenue to help her combat the disease, from conventional medical treatments to holistic practices and the transformative power of literature, he eventually comes to terms with the painful reality of her passing. Through this story, Grinnell masterfully captures the emotional turmoil faced by countless individuals affected by cancer.
The author’s writing style strikes a delicate balance between scientific grounding and a thought-provoking exploration of morality. Drawing upon his background in Western medicine, Grinnell deftly showcases the complexities of the human experience, posing challenging questions and confronting difficult issues with sensitivity and courage. Each short story is thoroughly engaging, marked by well-developed characters and insightful examinations of human nature.
A unifying thread that runs through the collection is the characters’ pursuit of spiritual healing. These relatable, evocative tales will resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. I am pleased to have read this captivating and thought-provoking book, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking empathetic, introspective, and engaging stories.
Growing Down
Growing Down, a story by Michael Tuberdyke, follows two men struggling to find contentment in their sedentary lives. After a friend’s wedding, Sam and Kevin begin to feel like they are “behind” everyone else. The two console each other, argue, and briefly wonder how they can improve their lives. The story shows how they interact with the world around them with their vices. Together, they express their fears and doubts about life while learning more about each other.
The author takes readers on a comedic journey alongside Sam and Kevin that will surely appeal to readers who can relate to the feeling of being left behind. Even though there was little character development, I think this book was written to show Sam and Kevin reflecting on life and written simply to entertain and engage readers with its narrative. The story simply follows two men through their day, from them being intoxicated in the morning to them making it to the evening. Nothing really happened to drive the plot or carry the story toward something meaningful, but seeing them interact with one another was fascinating. The author has a very natural ear for dialogue, and it came off as realistic and easy to follow. Tuberdyke’s vivid descriptions made it easy to picture the scenes described in the story. Additionally, the chapter divisions based on the time of day helped make the events’ timelines clear and understandable.
Growing Down is a comedy that is perfect for readers who enjoy unique humor, and many relate to the feeling of life going by and reflecting on what we have accomplished over the years. I would recommend this thought-provoking read to those who enjoy a lighthearted story.
Pages: 66 | ASIN : B0BWH2BMMQ
