The Mirror, and a Familiar Blue: A Collection of Short Stories

The Mirror, and a Familiar Blue is a collection of seventeen short stories I have written. While letting my fourth novel's first draft 'cool in the drawer', I mentioned to my wife I was reading a book of short stories. I told her I used to write short stories. She asked me why I didn't write them now. I told her I wasn’t sure. I simply migrated away from writing them as I focused on novels. I told her I had several stories written. A couple had been published but that was a lifetime ago. She asked me why I didn’t put them together and publish them as a book of short stories. The more I thought about her suggestion the more I liked the idea.

So - here is my book of short stories. They are varied in subject matters. One thing they all have in common is they are all born through my observations of everyday life. At the end of each short story I have included a short explanation of what inspired the story. Here is a peak into each of the short stories:

Locker Key and a Picture
Can a locker Key and a picture explain why he laid down in front of a moving train?

Two Friends
Two childhood friends spend a carefree summer together in 1965. This is a fraction of that summer.

Adrian Just Stared
Sometimes, escaping a harsh reality goes too far.

The Roommate
He did as he wanted, when he wanted, and paid the price.

‘NEED HELP’ on Cardboard
That person standing on the corner with a hand printed cardboard sign asking for help has a story.

I Want to be a Cowboy
Sometimes wishes come true.

Summer Ball
Men’s industrial league softball. A story from a player’s perspective.

Only He Could See
The old cowboy often argued with someone only he could see. Until...

It Is Real
Never judge a person by their appearance. You just may be wrong.

Pipe Smoke
Times were tough in the 1930’s. Especially for a young girl born into poverty. The smell of her dad’s pipe smoke helped her push through.

The Drinker
A little story about a professional drinker.

Killing Rabbits
The sound of killing rabbits becomes symbolic.

‘Paradise’
Postcards from a stranded(?) husband.

An English Affair
After their eyes locked, their fate was inevitable.

Dumb Okies
What happens if you cross those double white lines the Texas road signs warn not to cross?

Biker's Weekend
Harley rider from a small town enjoys one of the most interesting holiday weekends of his life.

The Mirror, and a Familiar Blue
He must find a way to warn a young lady he has never met of her impending tragedy.