The Laughter of Small Gods: A book of short stories, poetry, mumblings, and whispers. - Softcover

Widmaier, William

Softcover

ISBN 13: 9798324735593

Publisher: Independently published, 2024

Synopsis

Love, nature, friendship, good food, and the end of the world...

These evocative short stories are like glimpses through an open window into moments in people's lives. Moments when fate, chance, or a small god for that matter, decided to stick their finger into the pie of life, sometimes for good and sometimes, not so much.

Aside from the vagaries of life, the winds of fate, or the toying of small gods, these stories have no particular theme other than whatever you might attach to them. Nor is there any continuity from story to story, with the exception of the popular Madame Chou Chou series (six short stories).

But they do have impact. While some of these stories may bring a smile, some may inspire reflection, and some may even leave you deeply moved.

In 2010 William WIdmaier released his critically aclaimed first novel A Feast at the Beach. This volume contains a selection of short stories he has written since.

About this title

About the Author

William Widmaier was a successful marketing and design executive for many years before embracing writing full time. His somewhat secret other life as a writer has included magazine columns, editing The Memoirs Project for the French Consulate, screenwriting, and, most importantly, crafting stories that explore the quiet, surprising interruptions of everyday life.
In 2010, he published his critically acclaimed first book, A Feast at the Beach — an evocative, semi-autobiographical coming-of-age tale set in the sun-drenched coastal town of Saint-Tropez, France, where he spent much of his childhood. The novel captured the tastes, smells, humor, and tenderness of Franco-American family life and earned warm praise from readers and reviewers alike.
After retiring from corporate life at the end of 2020, William moved with his wife to a 265-year-old estate in southwestern France. There, amid the rhythms of restoring old stone walls and tending a growing garden, he returned to his first love: writing short stories, poetry, mumblings, and whispers. The Laughter of Small Gods is the result — a collection of evocative short fiction and poetry that offers intimate glimpses into moments when fate, chance, or a small god decides to meddle in the pie of life. Some pieces will make you smile, others will spark reflection, and a few may leave you quietly moved. The standout Madame Chou Chou series, with its recurring and unforgettable characters, adds a thread of wit and continuity through the book.
William currently divides his time between writing, restoring his historic home, and savoring the simple pleasures of French country life — the very elements that continue to inspire his work.

Edition details

• Publisher: Independently published
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 13: 9798324735593
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 129