Prose of Sharon

Ms. von Bergener's writing impels you to move out of your comfort zone. The use of colorful American idioms peppered throughout these tales adds a heightened dimension of reality. With memory layering, she swipes at Americana with cutting word play. She is an ambassador for both the downtrodden and the overindulgent; she plays no favorites. No scene is sugar-coated, but the extra treat is the realistic dialog and tidbits of information throughout the well-timed short stories. Inserted into each story - no matter how serious - is much appreciated humor. Relationships come alive on the page, right down to each body movement, slang and scene description. Intriguing back stories breathe life into her quirky characters, whom you will discuss well after you have finished her tales. You will find yourself anticipating, shocked and ultimately chuckling with the farcical turn of events. You will go through different emotions at very close intervals, wondering how she can be so irreverent and poignant at the same time. It's a heady combination. Ms. von Bergener's stories leave you wanting more. Her poetry, snarky and cynical, stripped and unflowery, reflects her offbeat observations and insights-candid snapshots of life's frustrations and triumphs.

Ms. von Bergener is a local resident of College Park, Maryland, where she lives with her husband Scott and two cats. She has a B.A. in English from the University of Maryland. Ms. von Bergener is a freelance editor and writing tutor, and coordinator and volunteer editor for foreign speakers of American English. She loves exercise, especially bicycling, and enjoys cooking and baking, especially making bread and pastries. Ms. von Bergener's first book of short stories, Red Hairings, was published in 2007.