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We All Feel Emotion

Brian Keith Higgins Author Interview

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

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. Each story is an emotional ride as you get to know the people in the stories.

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

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