...to tell the story behind his story in the Autumn Paths anthology. Hi, Allan, and thanks for taking some time out to be here today...
When the idea for an anthology was first discussed with
my co-authors, it was an exciting time for me.
Not having been involved in an anthology prior to Autumn Paths, I
regarded it as a highlight to my writing projects. To be able to rub shoulders with authors I admire and have read
is a feeling which is difficult to describe.
To be involved in this collection is pure joy.
Once the theme was decided upon, I wondered how I could
contribute. Where would Autumn Paths
take me? Would my story be up to the
caliber of my fellow authors? Ideas
drifted through my mind. It kept
getting stuck on the main character (MC) of my Drake Alexander Adventures. How could I introduce Drake in a fun way to
a different audience? Anyone who may
have read the novels would know Drake Alexander is a former NCO in the Canadian
Armed Forces. Looking back over the stories, I never told the readers why he
chose to become a soldier. You’ve seen
cartoons where the Light Bulb of an idea appears over their head, well, that is
what happened to me. I would contribute
a story to the anthology of when my MC was a boy, when he had the magical
moment of deciding he would become a soldier.
What fun it has been to create a cast of eleven years olds
up to mischief. The title of my story
is Warriors and Trickery. One of
the eleven-year-olds falls naturally into the role of being the ‘leader’. Imagine, if you will, hanging with a bunch
of your friends on a Saturday in the fall.
The trees are full of color, the sun is shining and a path to adventure
awaits you. They are not all boys, one
of their best friends is a girl who loves escapades. You’re only eleven and full of curiosity. Lots of time on your hands. You have the toy gun one of your friends
carved out of wood stuck in your waistband.
You’re not interested in boring stuff, but, when one of your buddies
suggest soldiers and war games, all kinds of images will fill your head. Your imagination runs wild. Camo uniforms, walkie talkies, guns and
other weapons, maybe tanks. Knowing you
shouldn’t be doing what the rest of your gang is considering, the temptation is
too great and you tag along.
I hope Warriors and Trickery will take you back to when you were a
pre-teen. Maybe share a few chuckles with their antics. It is the most fun I’ve had writing any
story. I hope you’ll enjoy it.
about the book... Nine writers - Seasonal Collective - from both sides of the Atlantic,
including best-selling and award-winning authors, have created this miscellany
of stories.
These tales of family, mystery, intrigue, adventure, and suspense will
take you across continents, through time and space in this world and
others. With a linking theme of autumn,
discover new landscapes, encounter new and intriguing characters, uncover
secrets and lies, and witness the resolution of old enmities.
Take the first step on this roller-coaster of an
emotional journey, and you won't be disappointed.You can get the book Here
You can read more about the anthology Here and Here And you can follow Allan on his blog the South Branch Scribbler
In the New Year, there will be more visits from other writers who also have stories in the anthology.
The next visitor will be Pierre Arseneault in February and you can read his post here Here I hope you will join us then...
Thank you, Angela, for the opportunity to share my inspiration with your readers. I love the Anthology.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Allan. Have a great day.
DeleteNow I understand the short story even more... which is fantastic, by the way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Pierre.
Delete