Thursday 19 September 2024

Jim Bates tells us about his latest book: The Stargazer and Other Stories

 


About the Book        

The thirteen stories in my newest collection, “The Stargazer and Other Stories,” are about the lives of ordinary people who each have a unique story to tell. Mitch’s life is enhanced immeasurably when he meets fellow stargazer Loren and his daughter. Doug and Evie form an unlikely friendship while riding the bus to work. Dan and Tim meet Michael at a concert and learn the importance of a caring friendship even if it’s only for a short time. Outcasts Poppy and Sid form a singing duo and perform in the fifth-grade talent show. Lenny’s sad death affects young Cal for the rest of his life. The summer between 6th and 7th grade is one Tommy will never forget. Widower Marv saves a drowning boy and gets a new lease on life. Cory attends his father’s funeral and meets a man who changes his life forever. A single mother and her daughter are thankful for their lives together even though their home is their car. Two brothers find that playing in marble tournaments helps them deal with the complexities of life. Maggie makes a fateful decision. Will she live to regret it? Strait-laced businessman Dave spontaneously decides to play hooky from work and get more than he bargained for. These stories are quietly told, and character-driven.  If you are looking for thoughtful stories where you can sit back, relax, and take your time to read them, then this is the book for you.

Research

I didn’t do much research for this book. I’m an amateur stargazer, so I verified some of the story's descriptions of the stars and constellations mentioned in that story. I also checked for accuracy in other stories where it was appropriate such as how marble tournaments are run and what were popular classic rock songs during the period the main character in “Classic Rock” was in high school.

Inspiration of the Stories

These stories were all written five to ten years ago when I first started writing. They came out of my imagination and were inspired by me looking to find “my voice” and becoming the best writer I could be. I recently went back and looked at them, went through and edited them, and decided that I liked them a lot and wanted to share them with others. They are very character driven which I like. They are also long, averaging 12.k in length which I also like. I hope readers like them as well!

What’s Next?

I have 11 more long stories from the same writing time period as “The Stargazer” that I am currently editing with the intent of publishing, hopefully by the end of this year. The title is “Moonshine.”

 

 How to Get Copies?

“The Stargazer and Other Stories” is available as both an ebook and paperback through Amazon and other outlets. 

You can find them on Amazon here.  

Note, this is an affiliate link and a small portion of what you pay, at no extra cost to you,  may go to Bridge House Publishing.   

Do I Have Any Events Planned?

Not at this time. I’m marketing right now via social media, primarily FB.

THANK YOU, GILL, FOR LETTING ME SHARE MY NEW BOOK WITH YOU AND YOUR READERS!! I really appreciate it!


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