It’s still weird not to be writing a novel, but after a couple of weeks resting I see that this “break” is an excellent chance to switch gears. Most of my novels are “heavy” with weighty themes and high stakes. That’s the kind of writer I want to be, but sometimes even I need a break and need to read something more straightforward (and even less scientific). I often walk away from reading these things wondering about taking a chance at writing something with different stakes than life and death, the end of the world, and the fact that eventually it’s all going to burn down and is there any hope for humanity?
Short stories are an opportunity to experiment and explore different things. From sci-fi that’s a bit less “sci” and more “fi” to mystery and suspense where there’s only one “whodunit?” (instead of “oops, I caused the apocalypse”) to the strange shenanigans of everyday life (why are there radioactive chickens in this barn instead of how did AI genetically engineer the entire human race?). I can experiment and explore again, which is exciting. My muse will enjoy this chance to diversify and explore different situations and stakes. And this could be a metaphor for the rest of reality, too.
To prepare for this, I reviewed my Goodreads list of “go-to’s” when I want to change gears. Today, I’d like to offer you suggestions for great, entertaining reads when my brain’s ready to come back to the strange things that make up Planet Earth:
Here Comes the Night, by Linda McDonald. Buck Dearmore thought he had solved his problems when he murdered his mistress's husband until he’s grabbed for gambling debts moments later and his car is stolen for a bloody joyride? This chaotic ride through the night will make you wonder where everything will land come morning.
A Slice of Murder (Pizza Lovers #1), by Chris Cavender. Elanor Swift and her sister, Madeline Spencer, own A Slice of Delight, a pizza restaurant in Tiber Ridge, North Carolina. Life is a small southern town isn’t as simple as it seems as the sisters keep finding themselves caught in webs of deceit and murder. I quickly hooked on these mysteries from the first book and read through the series.
A Catered St. Patrick’s Day (A Mystery with Recipes, #8) by Isis Crawford. From pizza to bakeries, sisters Libby and Bernadette Simmons run “A Slice of Heaven” which describes the food perfectly, but the small New York town not so much. I’m still reading my way through this series.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman. Elanor Oliphant leads a structured life that is neat and orderly until she meets Raymond, the IT guy from her office. When they find themselves at a crosswalk saving an elderly gentleman who has fallen, they strike up a friendship. Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it’s a great tale of the power of friendship to change your life. Plus, I believe introverts will appreciate the theme of how life should be better than “ok,” and how stretching out, despite the discomfort, is sometimes mandatory.
Click the links, or go to your library for these great finds. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have radioactive chickens to ponder. And other issues of the wide world out there.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great week!
Bye!
Short stories are an opportunity to experiment and explore different things. From sci-fi that’s a bit less “sci” and more “fi” to mystery and suspense where there’s only one “whodunit?” (instead of “oops, I caused the apocalypse”) to the strange shenanigans of everyday life (why are there radioactive chickens in this barn instead of how did AI genetically engineer the entire human race?). I can experiment and explore again, which is exciting. My muse will enjoy this chance to diversify and explore different situations and stakes. And this could be a metaphor for the rest of reality, too.
To prepare for this, I reviewed my Goodreads list of “go-to’s” when I want to change gears. Today, I’d like to offer you suggestions for great, entertaining reads when my brain’s ready to come back to the strange things that make up Planet Earth:
Here Comes the Night, by Linda McDonald. Buck Dearmore thought he had solved his problems when he murdered his mistress's husband until he’s grabbed for gambling debts moments later and his car is stolen for a bloody joyride? This chaotic ride through the night will make you wonder where everything will land come morning.
A Slice of Murder (Pizza Lovers #1), by Chris Cavender. Elanor Swift and her sister, Madeline Spencer, own A Slice of Delight, a pizza restaurant in Tiber Ridge, North Carolina. Life is a small southern town isn’t as simple as it seems as the sisters keep finding themselves caught in webs of deceit and murder. I quickly hooked on these mysteries from the first book and read through the series.
A Catered St. Patrick’s Day (A Mystery with Recipes, #8) by Isis Crawford. From pizza to bakeries, sisters Libby and Bernadette Simmons run “A Slice of Heaven” which describes the food perfectly, but the small New York town not so much. I’m still reading my way through this series.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman. Elanor Oliphant leads a structured life that is neat and orderly until she meets Raymond, the IT guy from her office. When they find themselves at a crosswalk saving an elderly gentleman who has fallen, they strike up a friendship. Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did, but it’s a great tale of the power of friendship to change your life. Plus, I believe introverts will appreciate the theme of how life should be better than “ok,” and how stretching out, despite the discomfort, is sometimes mandatory.
Click the links, or go to your library for these great finds. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have radioactive chickens to ponder. And other issues of the wide world out there.
That’s all today. Take care, and have a great week!
Bye!
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