I talk to Jim Bates about his collection 'Where the heart is'

 

Why did you decide to collect these particular stories together? What is the overriding theme here for you

I hope this doesn’t sound too weird, but I chose these stories with my dear departed mother in mind. Mom passed away in 2011. We were very close. She knew how much I loved to write, yet had been putting off jumping in and making even the tiniest of beginnings due to many reasons (family, career, the usual suspects). In one of the last conversations we had, she counseled me to ‘Start following your dream, Jim. Before it’s too late.’ You know what? She was right. I took her advice. The night after that conversation, I took the leap and committed to start writing every day with the idea in mind of trying to be the best writer I could be. I’m glad I did! This was back in 2011, and it was the best thing I've ever done. I love writing, and this collection of stories, “Where the Heart Is,” is a book I’m sure Mom would have liked. The stories are character-driven and have a positive message, both themes that my mom enjoyed in the books she read. Mom, these are for you!

I love the cover.  Why was this particular picture important?

 

I’m so glad you like the cover. I do, too! The inspiration came from one of the photos on the calendar that hangs in the small room that is my writing space. I have an appreciation for lakes, and I love to sit and look out over them and enjoy their beauty. Being on a lakeshore is also a nice time to contemplate life. The cover represents both of those quiet pastimes. Thank you to Martin James for helping me select the cover image and also for the final great design. It’s perfect!

You worked with our intern, Fatima, on this collection.  Can you tell us a little about that process? 

Heartfelt kudos go out to Fatima! She was wonderful to work with. I appreciated that she was conscientious, thorough, and she also gave me some great input. I’d love to use her again if that were ever possible!

Jim, you’re a prolific writer of short stories. How do you manage to keep finding inspiration?

That’s a very kind comment, Gill. Thank you very much. I’ll answer by reiterating that I love to write, and that I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Seven years after dedicating myself to writing in 2011, I started sending my work out for publication. You published my first story, “Remembrance Day,” in 2018, and it gave me a huge boost in confidence. Thank you so much for that! I am a very quiet person. I do not mind being by myself at all. I love to go for walks and read. Throughout my day, I’m always thinking about possibilities for stories or poems. When the idea comes to me, I’ll write it down. Today, for example, I was playing with my yo-yo. (Yes, you heard me right, my yo-yo. It’s part of my morning routine LOL!) The idea of a poem came to me as I was doing an “Around the World” move. I went upstairs and jotted the poem down in my notebook. I went over that first draft and liked it. I then wrote the poem. I still liked it. It will be added to my new poetry collection, “Quantum Moments.” Ideas like that happen to me all the time, and I’m glad that they do! It helps to keep writing interesting, challenging, and fun.

 Do you have any advice for those who are new to writing short stories? 

Yes. Try to write every day. If you have a story you are working on, keep at it. Once you finish, review it, make sure it’s the way you want it, and then write another one. Stay with it! Ray Bradbury said, “If you write a story a week for a year, you’ll have 52 stories at the end of that year. I’ll guarantee at least one of them will be good.” To that I’ll add, probably more than one. The point is, keep writing. You only get better by writing. I’ll also add this: write for yourself. Write stories that you would want to read. If you like what you’ve written, that’s the main thing. You can never please everyone, so you have to please yourself. At the end of the day, you can say, “You know what? I don’t care what others say, I think my story is pretty good.” When you get to that point, when you like your own work, it’s a great place to be.

Are you working on any new projects?

Yes. Right now, I’m doing the final edits for “The Rebels,” which is Book 5 of my Creekside Chronicles YA (and older) dystopian/adventure series. It’s almost ready to be published. I’m also in the process of publishing “Periodic Haiku,” a collection of 5-7-5 syllable haiku poems based on the first 118 elements of the periodic table. And I’m also working on a collection of poems to be published in 2026 entitled “Quantum Memories.”

Do you have any events planned?

No events planned at this time except for ‘soft releases’ on FB and my blog.

Note: Thank you so much, Gill, for the opportunity to be on your blog. Your continual support of my writing efforts is stupendous and means the world to me! Again, thank you so much. 

See Jim's web site here:  https://theviewfromlonglake.com  

Find your copy of the book here  

 

Jim Bates talks to me about his involvement with The Best of CafeLit 14

 

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?

Resilience

ShortStuff 

Old ManJasperson and other Stories

Where The Heart Is and Other Stories

The Best of CafeLit 14  

 

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!

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 6^th and 7^th 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!

Today Jim Bates tells us about his involvement with The Best of CafeLit 13

 

How did you first get to know CafeLit?

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!”

What do you like about it?

I like that CafeLit offers an opportunity to send in work and know that it will be looked at and judged on its merits. The staff are knowledgeable. I can tell you guys love stories and writing so when a story of mine is read and accepted I feel like it’s a good one. That means a lot to me. I have a special place near and dear in my heart for CafeLit because not only was it the first place that published a story of mine, but because all of you folks are so professional. You are also so nice! I love submitting to you guys!

Tell us a little about the stories you have in the volume.

I am fortunate to have had four stories selected for The Best of CafeLit Volume 13. Like just about everything I write, these stories came to me as vague ideas which I followed up on to see where the idea would take me. “Lost” is a humorous look at two people getting to know each other during a canoe trip in Northern Minnesota. “Amarylis” is a short piece reminding us that even though winter can be long and cold, spring is just around the corner. “Goal Post” is about a young boy missing his father. My favorite is “Ants” which is set in a small town. A young boy has been left with his grandmother and they do not get along well. The boy takes refuge by playing with a colony of ants. He considers them his friends. In full disclosure, I was that boy.

Why did you pick those particular drinks?  

That’s a good question! I am not an adventurous drinker!! Not by a long shot. Most of my drinks are very plain, but are honestly drinks I would never hesitate to drink anytime. I love black coffee and drink a lot of it during the day. I love ice water. I love iced Arnie Palmer’s in the summer. Any ‘mocha’ drink is a treat because I’m a chocoholic!

Do I write in cafes?

I don’t have a favorite “Creative Café” but I do write in cafes. There is a coffee shop in the town next to ours where I’ll write if I have the opportunity. They have classic rock and roll piped softly through the speakers and it’s a nice change from the room at home on the second floor where I usually write.

Current Projects

I’m putting together a collection of long short stories each of which averages 12.5k in length. There are 13 stories and the collection has a word count of just over 141K. Publication is scheduled for later this summer. It’s a fun project. The stories are very character-driven and I’m looking forward to getting them out so people can see them and hopefully purchase the collection. It’s entitled “The Stargazer.”

Future Events

When this collection is completed, I going to put together another one similar to the first one entitled “Moonshine.” It’ll be just like “The Stargazer” with around 13 stories all about 12k to 13k in length. I also have a short novel entitled “Second Chance” which I will begin working on the second and final set of edits for.

Of interest, here are the books of mine published by Bridge House Publishing and Chapeltown Books:

Resilience

Short Stuff

Old Man Jasperson andother 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 are 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!

Thank you for your kind words, Jim.