Jim Cherry's Blog - Posts Tagged "fiction"
Lewis Shiner Coming Back Into Print
I know there are a few Lewis Shiner fans out there, and he's found a publisher to put his titles back in print. Black & White came out in paperback and I Deserted Cities of the Heart was just released in the last day or so. Other Shiner titles are expected in the near future.
Fiction; A Short Story
FICTION
One of Jim’s students raised their hand.
“Yes?”
“Mr. Cherry, why aren’t you a writer?” The student was talking about the stories he read in class, stories of his youth, stories he’d written when he did have literary ambitions, and he’d had adventures to make into stories. Once he had opened the sluice gates of his imagination where he wrote so hotly that he had to carry notebooks around with him so the words wouldn’t get away from him. Stories all his friends told him were great and that he should write a book. He did write a book, a novel, and now it sat in his “files” an affectation he picked up from his literary heros. But he didn’t work on it any more. He hadn’t read it in a long time, he didn’t even think about it much any more.
“I did write a little,” he said, answering the girl’s question. “But I discovered as a writer I was a much better teacher, and that it was more rewarding teaching you guys about Hemingway and Fitzgerald.” He wondered if the answer satisfied them. He wondered if the answer satisfied him.
He closed the door of his apartment behind him and he turned on the TV. Some people with broken dreams sat in bars drinking trying to forget the promises of their youth, promises to themselves. Some drowned that misery in a sea of possessions, a big house, all the best cars, stereos, Blu-Ray players, iPods that money can buy. But television was his drug of choice, it numbed him. Numbed him against the flood of images from his subconscious, quieted the riot of voices that sought release through him.
The television flickered vacant images against the wall of the next room, Jim fell across his bed like a sailor washed ashore on a desolate beach. He stared up into the milky blankness of the ceiling. He closed his eyes and hoped for sleep. He could see the far off life he dreamt of for himself. His new book being released by a major publisher to critical and popular acclaim, being interviewed by the major newspapers and magazines, the interviewer hanging off his every word. Book signings with a line of people trailing through the store, all waiting for him. The movie deals for his books sitting on his desk waiting for him to sign. The lunches with agents and attorneys and when his cell phone rang excusing himself and taking the call. When the writer had a few minutes to himself to think, he thought of himself as a teacher, and how he should have taken the simpler path in life.
Jim woke up, the morning light prying it’s way through the windows. He sighed and realized he was still here, he had to get ready for work again, to teach. It had all seemed so close, so real, like he could almost touch that other life, that he could insert himself into that life, but it was dream, it melted like sugar in the realization it was a little wish fulfillment displayed like a movie flickering against the walls of his movie mind. Or was it? Maybe this life was the dream? A waking dream of the writer of what his life could have been like? He heaved another sigh. He didn’t know. Metaphysics bows before reality or at least before the work a day world. He had to push such dreams to the side to get dressed, go to work, teach kids, all day wondering which was the dream? And which was the fiction?
One of Jim’s students raised their hand.
“Yes?”
“Mr. Cherry, why aren’t you a writer?” The student was talking about the stories he read in class, stories of his youth, stories he’d written when he did have literary ambitions, and he’d had adventures to make into stories. Once he had opened the sluice gates of his imagination where he wrote so hotly that he had to carry notebooks around with him so the words wouldn’t get away from him. Stories all his friends told him were great and that he should write a book. He did write a book, a novel, and now it sat in his “files” an affectation he picked up from his literary heros. But he didn’t work on it any more. He hadn’t read it in a long time, he didn’t even think about it much any more.
“I did write a little,” he said, answering the girl’s question. “But I discovered as a writer I was a much better teacher, and that it was more rewarding teaching you guys about Hemingway and Fitzgerald.” He wondered if the answer satisfied them. He wondered if the answer satisfied him.
He closed the door of his apartment behind him and he turned on the TV. Some people with broken dreams sat in bars drinking trying to forget the promises of their youth, promises to themselves. Some drowned that misery in a sea of possessions, a big house, all the best cars, stereos, Blu-Ray players, iPods that money can buy. But television was his drug of choice, it numbed him. Numbed him against the flood of images from his subconscious, quieted the riot of voices that sought release through him.
The television flickered vacant images against the wall of the next room, Jim fell across his bed like a sailor washed ashore on a desolate beach. He stared up into the milky blankness of the ceiling. He closed his eyes and hoped for sleep. He could see the far off life he dreamt of for himself. His new book being released by a major publisher to critical and popular acclaim, being interviewed by the major newspapers and magazines, the interviewer hanging off his every word. Book signings with a line of people trailing through the store, all waiting for him. The movie deals for his books sitting on his desk waiting for him to sign. The lunches with agents and attorneys and when his cell phone rang excusing himself and taking the call. When the writer had a few minutes to himself to think, he thought of himself as a teacher, and how he should have taken the simpler path in life.
Jim woke up, the morning light prying it’s way through the windows. He sighed and realized he was still here, he had to get ready for work again, to teach. It had all seemed so close, so real, like he could almost touch that other life, that he could insert himself into that life, but it was dream, it melted like sugar in the realization it was a little wish fulfillment displayed like a movie flickering against the walls of his movie mind. Or was it? Maybe this life was the dream? A waking dream of the writer of what his life could have been like? He heaved another sigh. He didn’t know. Metaphysics bows before reality or at least before the work a day world. He had to push such dreams to the side to get dressed, go to work, teach kids, all day wondering which was the dream? And which was the fiction?
Medium Articles - Join Me!
Hi Everybody!
I've been experimenting with Medium for the past three weeks tomorrow, and I think it's going fairly well. I've posted articles on everything from the literary (Re)Discovering Walter Tevis which is admittedly a filled out take off on my last blog post here.
My own fiction Are You Safe?
Another I really liked and that did well is the non-fiction So You Want to be a Brand? which takes a stand against the popular advice to make yourself a brand, become a product, not an artist.
A music related one THAT really surprised me in that gathered a lot of attention and claps (the Medium version of a "Like") is Jack Kerouac, the 60's and Jim Morrison
Film critique in Star Wars: The Last Jedi Breaking the Mythological Mold
If any of these are enticing to you please give them a a read or if you want to see what other articles I have (or what I'll publish in the future) check out my Medium page see what's there, give me a clap or two and if you're a member there too I promise I'll follow you there!
Peace out!
Jim
I've been experimenting with Medium for the past three weeks tomorrow, and I think it's going fairly well. I've posted articles on everything from the literary (Re)Discovering Walter Tevis which is admittedly a filled out take off on my last blog post here.
My own fiction Are You Safe?
Another I really liked and that did well is the non-fiction So You Want to be a Brand? which takes a stand against the popular advice to make yourself a brand, become a product, not an artist.
A music related one THAT really surprised me in that gathered a lot of attention and claps (the Medium version of a "Like") is Jack Kerouac, the 60's and Jim Morrison
Film critique in Star Wars: The Last Jedi Breaking the Mythological Mold
If any of these are enticing to you please give them a a read or if you want to see what other articles I have (or what I'll publish in the future) check out my Medium page see what's there, give me a clap or two and if you're a member there too I promise I'll follow you there!
Peace out!
Jim
Medium Success
Hello Everyone!
I noticed that I haven't posted in a while and want to correct that. What have I been doing? Writing a lot of articles on Medium, I'm sure you've seen the previous posts about writing there. Some of the articles I've posted have become popular and I want to share those with you because, well, some are interesting, and about 3 of them are currently being featured on the Medium homepage.
The first is a short story that I actually wrote a long time ago but I pulled it out because I wanted to use it as a reference for another article. When I read it I thought it was a pretty good little story and it has fallen out even my view. It's titled Elvis and is a tongue-in-cheek alternate history that puts forth the idea that if Elvis had never become famous his life wouldn't have changed that much.
While I have published my fiction on Medium, the site encourages all types of writing and I've published a few non-fiction articles. One that seems to have caught on is from a series I've started called "On Writing" (when writers aren't writing they write about writing) and the article that has caught on is On Writing: Niche Writing Also, another good article from that is From Real Life to Fiction coming soon: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Learning!
One last I want to point out is another short story. Again, this is pulled from the Jim Cherry Archive, again I thought it a nice article that hasn't seen the light of day in a while, it's called The 1000th Chimpanzee it has a cute picture of chimpanzee on it!
You can also search around Medium for other articles!
Keep on!
Jim
I noticed that I haven't posted in a while and want to correct that. What have I been doing? Writing a lot of articles on Medium, I'm sure you've seen the previous posts about writing there. Some of the articles I've posted have become popular and I want to share those with you because, well, some are interesting, and about 3 of them are currently being featured on the Medium homepage.
The first is a short story that I actually wrote a long time ago but I pulled it out because I wanted to use it as a reference for another article. When I read it I thought it was a pretty good little story and it has fallen out even my view. It's titled Elvis and is a tongue-in-cheek alternate history that puts forth the idea that if Elvis had never become famous his life wouldn't have changed that much.
While I have published my fiction on Medium, the site encourages all types of writing and I've published a few non-fiction articles. One that seems to have caught on is from a series I've started called "On Writing" (when writers aren't writing they write about writing) and the article that has caught on is On Writing: Niche Writing Also, another good article from that is From Real Life to Fiction coming soon: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Learning!
One last I want to point out is another short story. Again, this is pulled from the Jim Cherry Archive, again I thought it a nice article that hasn't seen the light of day in a while, it's called The 1000th Chimpanzee it has a cute picture of chimpanzee on it!
You can also search around Medium for other articles!
Keep on!
Jim
NEW! Captured Dead Rvw/website
Buenos evening everybody!
Some cool things happening I thought I'd turn you on to. It seems things in the literary world go slow until they speed up!
Let's start with the easiest thing. A new jymsbooks website. It has a great layout (looks good on your phone!), info and pics about my books, a bio, and a blog, it's all at: https://jymwrite.wixsite.com/jymsbooks
New Captured Dead Review
My short story "The Captured Dead" has a new review that's pretty cool, instead of telling you about it I'll just post it:
"Great book, fantastic story! The author has combined a knowledge of Sherman, shamans, and ghosts into a fascinating read that you can finish in an hour — and you’ll want to start it all over again once you have. The writing is super — his descriptions of the people and surroundings, from wagon trains and wartime atrocities to ghostly dusty hazes, and are such that you can clearly envision the picture in your mind while reading. The characters are well-developed, particularly that of Sherman, from his physical description to what’s going on in his head. This story grabs at the get-go and never lets go before the very last ominous sentence." Karen H.
I hope you won't forget to tell your friends!
Jim
Some cool things happening I thought I'd turn you on to. It seems things in the literary world go slow until they speed up!
Let's start with the easiest thing. A new jymsbooks website. It has a great layout (looks good on your phone!), info and pics about my books, a bio, and a blog, it's all at: https://jymwrite.wixsite.com/jymsbooks
New Captured Dead Review
My short story "The Captured Dead" has a new review that's pretty cool, instead of telling you about it I'll just post it:
"Great book, fantastic story! The author has combined a knowledge of Sherman, shamans, and ghosts into a fascinating read that you can finish in an hour — and you’ll want to start it all over again once you have. The writing is super — his descriptions of the people and surroundings, from wagon trains and wartime atrocities to ghostly dusty hazes, and are such that you can clearly envision the picture in your mind while reading. The characters are well-developed, particularly that of Sherman, from his physical description to what’s going on in his head. This story grabs at the get-go and never lets go before the very last ominous sentence." Karen H.
I hope you won't forget to tell your friends!
Jim
Why Keanu Reeves Hates Me
Now that that sensational title has grabbed you, well, not entirely sensational there is a story behind it, a night I spent as an extra on the Keanu Reeves movie "Chain Reaction." It's a tongue in cheek rendering of that experience which you can read at Why Keanu Reeves Hates Me: but probably doesn't know it
If you're looking for something a little more literary I also published the short story version of my famously (is it infamously yet?) in progress novel The Third Day as kind of a little experiment with it I added music videos to it act as an ad-hoc soundtrack. Give it a try let me know how you like it!
NEWLY PUBLISHED! When Will the 21st Century Become the Future I Used to Read About?
Jim
If you're looking for something a little more literary I also published the short story version of my famously (is it infamously yet?) in progress novel The Third Day as kind of a little experiment with it I added music videos to it act as an ad-hoc soundtrack. Give it a try let me know how you like it!
NEWLY PUBLISHED! When Will the 21st Century Become the Future I Used to Read About?
Jim
New Review for The Captured Dead
Every once in a while I'm caught off-guard by a very complimentary review, I'm glad people like what I write it's also a humbling experience. We all try to write something that affects others and when you succeed in that it's somewhat awesome in the realization. Without further ado here's the review!
Exhilarating!
Fascinating read! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've found something I love in all of Jim Cherry's works but it's never the same aspect of any given story that hooks me. In fact, I don't know that I can always put a finger on what it is in each piece exactly that makes me love it. Which makes me actively seek out more reads like this... which isn't always easy. I discovered this writer via his book "The Last Stage". I really enjoyed that and as with most writers who turn my crank I seek out their other works. I've enjoyed Jim Cherry's books for years and this short story somehow eluded me for a while despite being made aware of it years ago. Once I started it I had to finish it. I was filled with regret upon finish it. Regret that I hadn't read it sooner... and I was even a little sad that it ended because I really liked the imagery Cherry's words painted upon the blank canvas that was my mind as I began to read. I'm tempted to unveil certain details of this story in this review to support some of my statements but I am not a fan of spoilers myself. Suffice to say, if you are on the fence about whether or not to read this, I say the time to hesitate is through. It's well worth your time (it's a quick yet satisfying read) and it's certainly worth the modest price this fine author is asking. One of the reasons I love his work is that it's clear he writes these fantastic visions for the love of it, he's not motivated by money or fame or anything like that. Great art is born from people who love to create for the sake of creating. I believe Cherry falls into such a category. This story is a work of art. You are effortlessly swept away into another world, one that you could never experience in reality and perhaps you'd never want to become a reality. It wasn't the first piece of his I have read by a long shot but I think would be a great place to start if you are unfamiliar with the author. Again, not MY first but it definitely won't be my last either. That is, unless Jim Cherry decides to stop putting out these addictive reads.
The Captured Dead is available from Amazon and KOBO (& their supported devices!), and is only .99!
Exhilarating!
Fascinating read! I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've found something I love in all of Jim Cherry's works but it's never the same aspect of any given story that hooks me. In fact, I don't know that I can always put a finger on what it is in each piece exactly that makes me love it. Which makes me actively seek out more reads like this... which isn't always easy. I discovered this writer via his book "The Last Stage". I really enjoyed that and as with most writers who turn my crank I seek out their other works. I've enjoyed Jim Cherry's books for years and this short story somehow eluded me for a while despite being made aware of it years ago. Once I started it I had to finish it. I was filled with regret upon finish it. Regret that I hadn't read it sooner... and I was even a little sad that it ended because I really liked the imagery Cherry's words painted upon the blank canvas that was my mind as I began to read. I'm tempted to unveil certain details of this story in this review to support some of my statements but I am not a fan of spoilers myself. Suffice to say, if you are on the fence about whether or not to read this, I say the time to hesitate is through. It's well worth your time (it's a quick yet satisfying read) and it's certainly worth the modest price this fine author is asking. One of the reasons I love his work is that it's clear he writes these fantastic visions for the love of it, he's not motivated by money or fame or anything like that. Great art is born from people who love to create for the sake of creating. I believe Cherry falls into such a category. This story is a work of art. You are effortlessly swept away into another world, one that you could never experience in reality and perhaps you'd never want to become a reality. It wasn't the first piece of his I have read by a long shot but I think would be a great place to start if you are unfamiliar with the author. Again, not MY first but it definitely won't be my last either. That is, unless Jim Cherry decides to stop putting out these addictive reads.
The Captured Dead is available from Amazon and KOBO (& their supported devices!), and is only .99!
New Years News
Hello Everybody!
I hope you all survived the holidays and are looking at a great NEW YEAR!
I don't remember if I mentioned this before, but an editor at a medium sized publishing house wants to read the full manuscript of The Third Day, and she knows it's only abt half finished. I glad to report I've added all the notes to it and have it in condition for another run through. I started this afternoon and made some good progress and intend to continue! I figure after this I have one more run through to make on it before it's any condition for an editor to see. I'm hoping to have that second run through done by June.
I'll be reading from The Lion Communique at Capricon 44 in Chicago on Feb 3rd at 10 am. If you know anyone into science fiction in the area please turn them on to it!
I have a new review of The Lion Communique that was published today! Here it is:
The Lion Communique Speaks to the Soul
Wow! These 13 wild yet well-wrought tales shimmy with the perfect amount of tension that captures readers without overwhelming them with anxiety. Instead, these works—many of them masterpieces—lead attentive readers through multiple layers of Existential realities.
Starting slowly through two stories—one, “The Games Children Play,” of a young boy who steps outside reality, and “As Good a Name as Any,” a short piece narrated by a World War I veteran, the collection truly becomes alive with “Dawn’s HWY,” where Dionysian Shaman Jim Morrison of The Doors is the protagonist. This is where the book started to “pop” for me. Echoing the mood of many stories in the Twilight Zone series, the Morrison character strolls between two realities—and until the end, the reader remains hesitant about which world is “real.” From the third story on, I struggled to put down the collection to capture a well-needed good night’s sleep. Seriously, this collection was that compelling a read.
Indeed, along with engaging the reader with precise imagery, these tales venture into other realities. Twilight Zone themes pop up in most of these pieces, including “Judgment Night,” “The Seas Have No Stars,” and in “Father’s Son,” which evokes the style and tenor of a Hemingway masterpiece, and “Judgment Night Redemption,” containing such marvelous imagery as “It was steeped in sepia and chiaroscuro, the color of memory.”
Based upon historic events, some stories, including “As Good a Name as Any,” “The Christmas Truce,” not only incorporate some surreal scenes, but include guest appearances by Adolf Hitler. And in the tale, “The Captured Dead, set in Comancheria 1874, General Sherman is the protagonist, who meets more than his spiritual foe in the unusual ending.
Again, this collection kept me entranced long past what should have been my “bed-time.” They enraptured me. Nevertheless, the Morrison tale was eclipsed by only one, “Godwired,” a piece that weds together faith and science in a miraculous way.
Along with touching upon concepts of “Jacob’s Ladder,” it emerges the reader into a reality that very well may be the absolute Truth.
—Lindsey Martin-Bowen, author
The BOOK of FRENZIES,
Where Water Meets the Rock,
CASHING CHECKS with Jim Morrison
Please feel free to pass along to anyone you think may be interested! Thank you!
May the Force be with You!
Jim
I hope you all survived the holidays and are looking at a great NEW YEAR!
I don't remember if I mentioned this before, but an editor at a medium sized publishing house wants to read the full manuscript of The Third Day, and she knows it's only abt half finished. I glad to report I've added all the notes to it and have it in condition for another run through. I started this afternoon and made some good progress and intend to continue! I figure after this I have one more run through to make on it before it's any condition for an editor to see. I'm hoping to have that second run through done by June.
I'll be reading from The Lion Communique at Capricon 44 in Chicago on Feb 3rd at 10 am. If you know anyone into science fiction in the area please turn them on to it!
I have a new review of The Lion Communique that was published today! Here it is:
The Lion Communique Speaks to the Soul
Wow! These 13 wild yet well-wrought tales shimmy with the perfect amount of tension that captures readers without overwhelming them with anxiety. Instead, these works—many of them masterpieces—lead attentive readers through multiple layers of Existential realities.
Starting slowly through two stories—one, “The Games Children Play,” of a young boy who steps outside reality, and “As Good a Name as Any,” a short piece narrated by a World War I veteran, the collection truly becomes alive with “Dawn’s HWY,” where Dionysian Shaman Jim Morrison of The Doors is the protagonist. This is where the book started to “pop” for me. Echoing the mood of many stories in the Twilight Zone series, the Morrison character strolls between two realities—and until the end, the reader remains hesitant about which world is “real.” From the third story on, I struggled to put down the collection to capture a well-needed good night’s sleep. Seriously, this collection was that compelling a read.
Indeed, along with engaging the reader with precise imagery, these tales venture into other realities. Twilight Zone themes pop up in most of these pieces, including “Judgment Night,” “The Seas Have No Stars,” and in “Father’s Son,” which evokes the style and tenor of a Hemingway masterpiece, and “Judgment Night Redemption,” containing such marvelous imagery as “It was steeped in sepia and chiaroscuro, the color of memory.”
Based upon historic events, some stories, including “As Good a Name as Any,” “The Christmas Truce,” not only incorporate some surreal scenes, but include guest appearances by Adolf Hitler. And in the tale, “The Captured Dead, set in Comancheria 1874, General Sherman is the protagonist, who meets more than his spiritual foe in the unusual ending.
Again, this collection kept me entranced long past what should have been my “bed-time.” They enraptured me. Nevertheless, the Morrison tale was eclipsed by only one, “Godwired,” a piece that weds together faith and science in a miraculous way.
Along with touching upon concepts of “Jacob’s Ladder,” it emerges the reader into a reality that very well may be the absolute Truth.
—Lindsey Martin-Bowen, author
The BOOK of FRENZIES,
Where Water Meets the Rock,
CASHING CHECKS with Jim Morrison
Please feel free to pass along to anyone you think may be interested! Thank you!
May the Force be with You!
Jim
GM Aurora Interview 3/18-24
Hello Everybody!
Ok, pretty cool! Things are going great! I was interviewed about The Lion Communique again yesterday, 3/28/24 and I think it went a lot better than the Sept interview!
You can go to the interview at Good Morning Aurora 3/18/24 I come in about the 30 min mark or so. I hope you enjoy it!
Also, I'll be having more good news coming soon, I hope! Just in the initial stages right now.
We'll talk soon!
Jim
Ok, pretty cool! Things are going great! I was interviewed about The Lion Communique again yesterday, 3/28/24 and I think it went a lot better than the Sept interview!
You can go to the interview at Good Morning Aurora 3/18/24 I come in about the 30 min mark or so. I hope you enjoy it!
Also, I'll be having more good news coming soon, I hope! Just in the initial stages right now.
We'll talk soon!
Jim
Voracious Readers Only & Stuff!
Good Morning!
I tried to send this out Saturday but for some reason it wouldn't go out with the full post, so let's try it again!
I joined Voracious Readers Only a site that brings together readers and writers. The trial of sending out 20 free books is free, they're all electronic so you don't have to send physical copies you don't even have to register a credit card unless you decide to follow their monthly plan. You can check out the site: https://voraciousreadersonly.com/
I woke this morning to a very cool review on a blog. Jason Denses (who I was surprised to find a couple of you already there! Thank you Harry Whitewolf for sending him a link to The Captured Dead a while back) but you can read his review athttps://felcherman.wordpress.com/2024... now all I gotta do is learn how to draw a Gnome!
Finally, I think, there's a couple new reviews on Amazon:
Clever Alt-History and Serlingesque Sci-Fi
This collection of short fiction includes shades of alternative history, sci-fi, and fantasy. The prevalent themes of war and the natural rights of the animal kingdom are woven throughout. Among my favorites, a pair of stories Judgement Night and Judgement Night- Redemption follow a man's purgatorial bus ride as he relives his penance over and over again. Another standout was The Seas Have No Stars where alien crafts arrive over the world's oceans to speak to the most intelligent life on Earth. Spoiler alert: it isn't humankind! - Brandt Hardin (also posted on Goodreads)
The Best Book I've Read in a Very Long Time!
If Rod Serling and Ernest Hemmingway married and had a baby it would be Jim Cherry. Each story from the collection is a delight to read and think about afterward. Incorporating old fashioned value systems of good and evil with a modern twist and an unconventional take on historical experiences made each story unique. Each story could have been extended to its own book. The only thing I didn't like is that I finished it and there wasn't more. Absolutely looking forward to more from Jim Cherry. - Maria DiBari, from Voracious Readers Only
AND FINALLY! Half-Price Books in Naperville, IL is sponsoring a book signing for The Lion Communique on May the 4th! If you live near-by please stop by or if you know anybody in the area please turn them on to it!
I know this a lot and longer than my usual fare but things have been going on!
Oh, one more thing. I've been working on the novel of The Third Day, I'm 70,000 words in and an editor is interested in reading it when I'm done.
Have a great day and a great rest of your week!
Jim
I tried to send this out Saturday but for some reason it wouldn't go out with the full post, so let's try it again!
I joined Voracious Readers Only a site that brings together readers and writers. The trial of sending out 20 free books is free, they're all electronic so you don't have to send physical copies you don't even have to register a credit card unless you decide to follow their monthly plan. You can check out the site: https://voraciousreadersonly.com/
I woke this morning to a very cool review on a blog. Jason Denses (who I was surprised to find a couple of you already there! Thank you Harry Whitewolf for sending him a link to The Captured Dead a while back) but you can read his review athttps://felcherman.wordpress.com/2024... now all I gotta do is learn how to draw a Gnome!
Finally, I think, there's a couple new reviews on Amazon:
Clever Alt-History and Serlingesque Sci-Fi
This collection of short fiction includes shades of alternative history, sci-fi, and fantasy. The prevalent themes of war and the natural rights of the animal kingdom are woven throughout. Among my favorites, a pair of stories Judgement Night and Judgement Night- Redemption follow a man's purgatorial bus ride as he relives his penance over and over again. Another standout was The Seas Have No Stars where alien crafts arrive over the world's oceans to speak to the most intelligent life on Earth. Spoiler alert: it isn't humankind! - Brandt Hardin (also posted on Goodreads)
The Best Book I've Read in a Very Long Time!
If Rod Serling and Ernest Hemmingway married and had a baby it would be Jim Cherry. Each story from the collection is a delight to read and think about afterward. Incorporating old fashioned value systems of good and evil with a modern twist and an unconventional take on historical experiences made each story unique. Each story could have been extended to its own book. The only thing I didn't like is that I finished it and there wasn't more. Absolutely looking forward to more from Jim Cherry. - Maria DiBari, from Voracious Readers Only
AND FINALLY! Half-Price Books in Naperville, IL is sponsoring a book signing for The Lion Communique on May the 4th! If you live near-by please stop by or if you know anybody in the area please turn them on to it!
I know this a lot and longer than my usual fare but things have been going on!
Oh, one more thing. I've been working on the novel of The Third Day, I'm 70,000 words in and an editor is interested in reading it when I'm done.
Have a great day and a great rest of your week!
Jim
