HELP!

I’ve finally accumulated enough short stories to fill an anthology. They range in style from happy to sad to quirky to…let’s just say Rod Serling’s and Kurt Vonnegut’s influence is self-evident. But I have a dilemma. My working title causes some people to say “Ew-w. Others get the joke. I’ve thought of a couple of alternate titles and would like your opinion. (Note: each would have the sub-title “The short stories of T.W. Lofgren)

Here’s the choices:

1. Skid Marks on My Shorts. The cover would have men’s underwear hanging on a clothesline.

2. Stories From the Reading Room. Cover art: a toilet with a stack of books on the tank. This is inspired by a brother in-law who kept a stack of magazines and cartoon books in his bathroom.

3. Bathroom Chronicles. Cover art: an outhouse.

Tell me what you think and feel free to add your thoughts or other title ideas. Thank you all!

Busy, busy, busy

I have not been slacking off! Really. I just got re-directed. As a board member of the Space Coast Writers Guild, I was asked to coordinate a couple of projects. Happy to say they are nearly complete with the final steps being handled by other members. First up was a promotional calendar we’re planning to giveaway at the craft fairs we attend. The calendar will feature various of our writers and direct potential buyer/fans to their websites. Meanwhile, we’ll have several of the authors representing themselves at our table at the fair. The Guild’s anthologies will also be there for sale.

The other project, our annual short story anthology is coming together and should be available for the Cocoa Beach Arts and Crafts fair in October. That was a lot more work than I anticipated. It will soon hit Amazon and join our other anthologies. My short story, “Karma” is in last years edition titled “Secrets.” Check us out at https://scwg.org/

Now back to my latest short where I tackle the question: How would you tell the Biblical Moses story if set in modern times?

Of Late

Whew! Time flies. I have neglected to post anything not because I haven’t been busy, but because I have. I’ve completed several new short stories and hope to produce an anthology this year. The novel, Dining With Mel, sits on the back burner, but still percolating.

What has taken up a chunk of time is my new involvement with the Space Coast Writers Guild. I was elected Treasurer last year. It required I dust off some long-forgotten talents and learn new things (Oh my!) I even dumped the grumpy old man attitude.

My BIG news is I met a fellow author last Fall, Brad Haizlip, who also hosts a podcast, The Authors Table. Brad graciously invited me to sit and discuss my writing, and well, here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLUmhQXTUu4

Enjoy!

New Contest

I found a flash fiction writing contest, the theme is “AI.” Maximum of 1500 words. I have a story, Alfred and Me, centered on that subject, written several years ago. Unfortunately, it was 1725 words long. My writer’s group encouraged me to edit what I had. It was a great lesson in self-editing. I found phrases that could be cut to a single word and sentences that were redundant. I did get to 1498 words and submitted it. (The promise of a cash prize is quite motivational.) We’ll see what the results are in October.

It was interesting to find out how my style has changed over the years. You can teach an old dog new tricks as long as they are willing to learn.

Pretty stoked!

Yesterday was a big day for me. I was notified that my short story Karma took first place in the Space Coast Writers’ Guild short story contest. It came with a nifty cash prize!

The story is my take on the teachings in The Tibetan Book of the Dead and tells the story of a family pet reaching the end of this life’s journey. It’s a sad/happy tale. I was asked to read it as part of the awards ceremony and couldn’t bring myself to it. (I’m a big softy at times). Our Guild president did the honors instead. Several members took me aside afterward to admit it brought them to tears.

I’d like to share it, but the contest rules dictate that the story must be unpublished. So until it comes out in the SCWG’s anthology this Fall, I’ll have to sit on it. Meanwhile, I can share another older story if you’re interested. Since I haven’t figured out how to attach a PDF file to this blog, email me at tlofgren3@gmail.com and I’ll copy you on Alien Encounter. Hope it makes you laugh.

Why I Write

I recently had the opportunity to lead my local writers’ group in a discussion on this topic. It caused me to do a bit of soul-searching and honesty with myself. I happened upon an article by Michelle Barker on the topic, which helped define my interests.

She notes there are four main reasons motivating authors:

  1. Something important to say to the world…family…your audience.
  2. To prove something to naysayers (myself included!).
  3. In it for the money.
  4. For bragging rights
  5. You can’t imagine doing something else. (Five, there are five main reasons motivating writers.

I must say, No. 1 fits me well. My stories are meant to comment on society, poking fun in a satirical style while, hopefully, not offending too many readers. My favorite authors are Kurt Vonnegut, Rod Serling, and Douglas Adams. Each, in their own way, comments on the human condition and, to some extent, the silliness of it all.

As for proving something, I suppose it is mostly proving to myself that I can do this. My first self-published work, Dodging Butterflies, was a learning process. Many mistakes were made, and lessons were learned with that work. Too Late to Pray was much better written, although it could be improved upon. That’s why it’s taking so long with my current work—the need to get the craft right.

I’m certainly not in it for the money, although it is nice to sit back with a glass of wine and imagine life as an extremely successful author. Most writers have day jobs or, like me, are retired and making ends meet with Social Security and maybe a pension. I have met some who are making a nice added income with their writing. That’s something I can aspire to. Who knows? Maybe someday I will achieve bragging rights. Till then, I work on it when I can and enjoy the mental stimulation of a burst of creativity.

Finally!

I have finally completed the first draft of my new novel. The working title is “Dining With Mel” and tells the tale of an average meeting with an alien at his favorite dining spot in Melbourne, FL. It turns out she (the alien) is actually from the future and has a warning for the present time. Our hero decides to help her out, but what will it cost him and the future of humanity?

Oops! I have two different endings and will need to choose between the two. I’ll consult with my colleagues in the Palm Bay Writer’s Group, as they have been so helpful in developing the story. (I’m leaning toward the ending involving the evil twin.)

A Bit Frustrating

I checked into the Barnes & Noble website to find my book, thinking surely by now it would have made it to my publisher’s catalog. So I searched the title, Too Late to Pray—nothing. I tried my name and found my novella, Dodging Butterflies, but not Pray. “What the…” I exclaimed. Back to the publisher and learned you need the ISBN number to search for it. So back to B&N and, sure enough, it popped right up. Further experimentation and I found it at ebay books also.


Lesson learned. The kindle version is available through Amazon, no problem. For other ebook formats search: ISBN 9781736944011. For the paperback: ISBN 9781736944004. Yes, each has a separate ISBN. That’s the rule.

Still learning the ropes to the marketing side of things. A necessary step if I want to get noticed.