How did you come across CafeLit in the first place?
I came to CafeLit via Gail Aldwin. This was back in 2018. I’d met Gail through a writer friend of mine Kathy Sharp. Gail suggested I send a story to CafeLit. It was the first time I’d ever submitted any of my work ANYWHERE, and I was extremely nervous. Incredibly, my story was accepted. Thank you, Gill! I was over the moon with joy!! Since then, I’ve submitted many stories to CafeLit and have been fortunate to have had many accepted. I’ve also sent in stories for the themed anthologies and have been lucky to have been accepted a few times. So, I must say, “Thank you so much for supporting my writing! You all mean the world to me!”
Tell us something about your contribution to this year’s book?
My story is entitled “Simon Hope.” It was written as a challenge to me to write a story based on a character in literature. I chose Sherlock Holmes, one of my all-time favorites. In my story, Simon Hope is a detective who specializes in finding lost animals. It was fun to write. I hope people enjoy reading it!
How did you choose the drink to go with your contribution?
My drink was chosen because that’s what I was drinking at the time. During the day, I drink coffee, ice water, or iced tea. Or a combination of the three. So, whenever I submit to CafeLit, the drink will be one of the other of those three. For this selection, “Simon Hope,” I chose an Arnie Palmer because it was so hot here in Long Lake when I sent in the submission that for me, lemonade added to my iced tea was just the ticket!
What do you like about writing short stories / and /or flash fiction?
I love the creative process for both genres. Most of my stories tend to be character-driven, and I enjoy the challenge of coming up with a character, putting that person in a challenging situation, and then seeing how they respond. It’s quite fun/interesting to see what the outcome is.
What else do you write?
I write poetry, novellas, and novels. My poetry collections are: “Haiku Season,” “The Metaphysics of Now,” “The Science of Forever,” “The Alchemy of Then,” and “The Evolution of Tomorrow.” My novellas are aimed at the YA readership, although adults will like them, too. I promise! They are: “The Battle of Marvel Wood,” “The Time Traveling Healer,” and the first two books of my “Creekside Chronicles” series – “The Defectives,” and “The Gallantiers.” Soon to be published are Book 3, “The Two Tribes,” and Book 4, “The Invaders.” My novels are: “The Alien of Orchard Lake,” “Something Better,” “Conversations With the Dead,” and “Eye of the Beholder.”
They are all available through traditional outlets.
Tell us a little about your life as a writer.
I always wanted to be a writer, I think mainly because I’ve always liked to read. But I put it off for years and years, letting LIFE rule my life (LOL!) Finally, while taking care of a very sick family member, I realized how important it was to make the most of one’s life. With that realization, I decided to focus on that dream. That was in 2011. I started writing every day, mostly poems. In 2015, I took an online writing class and met Kathy Sharp who, along with Gail Aldwin, encouraged me to begin submitting stories. The first story I ever submitted, “Remembrance Day,” was submitted to you and CafeLit, Gill. It was accepted! That acceptance gave me the confidence to continue writing and submitting. You and Bridge House published my first collection of short stories, “Resilience,” in 2021. Thank you so much. Since then, you’ve published “Short Stuff,” a collection of flash fiction, and a collection of short stories, “Old Man Jasperson and Other Stories.” You’ve also recently published “Where the Heart Is,” another collection of short stories. Again, thank you so much!
Are you working on any interesting projects at the moment?
Yes. As I mentioned earlier, I’m working on Book 3 and Book 4 of my YA fantasy/adventure series “Creekside Chronicles.” It’s a fun series. I plan to publish “The Two Tribes” in early September and “The Invaders” in December. Book One, “The Defectives,” and Book Two, “The Gallantiers” are available at most traditional outlets.
Do you have any events planned?
Old ManJasperson and other Stories
Where The Heart Is and Other Stories
Website: www.theviewfromlonglake.wordpress.com
Finally, Gill, I just want to say that knowing you and your team has been a highlight of my writing career. You guys are professional yet easy to work with. I love that you continue to give us emerging writers a place to submit work. CafeLit continues to be one of the premium sites out there. Thanks so much for being there! Keep up the great work!
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