In this collection of short stories, I have attempted to capture truth in unexpected places.
For instance, a recent amputee resents her limitations until a brush with her past and the needs of another drives her to act and she discovers her ability. "Crutches" reveals a character developed from within. Dawn's frustrations, stubbornness, and humor illustrate her fully lived past and approach to her future. In “Noel”, a waitress treats herself on her birthday which makes her recall her past and envision her future and the life that she can lead on her own. Evie's transformation shows the lifelong discoveries of a woman and the breaking point, which ultimately propels her on. "Winning Hands" captures a career woman who visits an elderly relative seeking support and validation and instead finds the miseries of Dementia and the frustration of lost time and opportunities. Crystal not only faces her aunt's limitations, but her own in the inability to communicate with her aunt. In "Trophies", a restaurant manager returns home to find her ailing stepfather, a lost inheritance, and her estranged brother, but rediscovers their connection in the catch of her life. Stephanie's problems with her past are overshadowed by her concerns and suspicions about her inheritance. However, she confronts her fears and reconnects with her brother and reconciles her past. Finally, "What Lasts" portrays the struggle of a sister to provide for herself during the Great Depression and the result of her secrecy and deception. This historical story illustrates the timeless concern of self-preservation and the story of Agnes' deception to achieve her dreams. Ultimately, in this collection I have tried to create lasting characters, characters who invite the reader in and develop a true connection.
indicates that a file or directory is accessible from the campus network only.