"What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects--with their Christianity latent." --C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock (Christian Apologetics)
C. S. Lewis was referring specifically to popular books on science; however, I believe his words can be applied to nearly any genre. I have tried to apply them to my own fiction, in that the subjects of my works are, for the most part, not overtly Christian, but I approach them from a distinctly Christian worldview. Those coming to these stories looking for apologetics may be left scratching their heads in confusion. Those, however, coming to them looking for a different perspective on a variety of topics will not be disappointed.
A word on the content of these stories: Some of them, like "Alexander" and "Letters From Lupus", can be read and enjoyed without embarrassment by any age. Others, however ("The Wisdom of Solomon" and "The Last Days of Joanna Broadhurst" leap immediately to mind), were written with a more mature audience in mind. By this, I don't mean that I write "dirty" stories! But I do believe that even Christian writers should try to reflect the reality of the world in their work, albeit without offending their intended audience. This is not an easy line to walk, and I may have crossed over on occasion. If so, please draw my attention to it; I'll try to explain why I felt that particular content to be necessary. If I can't, that may in itself be sufficient reason to change it!
The stories are described below. To read what went into their writing, go to "Behind the Scenes" on the navigation bar to the left.
Note: Two of the stories have been published by a small, local press. Firefly Press was founded to publish the work of local poets and offer them in small booklet form through local coffeehouses. I met the founders through a writers' workshop; when they decided to expand their publications to include short stories, they honoured me by choosing "Dance" and "Boxes" as their first two. For more information about Firefly Press and their publications, please write to them at P.O. Box 1801, Bloomington, IL, 61702-1801.
A young centaur faces ridicule at school when he insists he’s seen that most mythical of creatures – a human.
A woman who has spent her entire life in one set of rooms leaves their security to chase a rumor of a man who has found a way – outside.
An impromptu dance concert has disturbing psychological and emotional effects on the lunchtime crowd from a large office building.
A high school girl comes to terms with her love/hate relationship with her aunt as she falls in love with the most popular guy in school.
This twist on a classic fairy tale explores the devastating effects of prejudice.
A chance encounter in a young man’s teenage years lays the groundwork for an unexpected friendship nearly a quarter century later.
This black comedy details the events leading up to the apparent suicide of a successful advertising artist.
A woman finds possible evidence of her husband’s infidelity – at a garage sale.
This allegory looks at the difficulties of overcoming sin and temptation in the Christian life.
In this tragicomedy, Solomon Perry’s life of failure leads him to the conclusion that he is an insane god – a conclusion he proceeds to prove.
A cruel and dishonest prospector faces divine retribution in this classic horror tale.