Explorations of Freedom: A Mini Collection of Short Stories

A weekend read of five short stories loosely centered on various concepts of breaking free of imprisonment, whether physical, emotional, or imagined. Explorations of Freedom is a standout collection of short fiction. Each story is built on new ideas, strong characters, and a fresh point of view that's often missing from modern fiction. The stories run the gamut, from humor to drama, without ever coming across as stereotypical or repetitive. And her characters aren't two-dimensional figures on the page, they are real, tangible, like people who might live next door. Explorations of Freedom is akin to riding a rollercoaster. There's excitement, trepidation, and heart-stopping thrills. And then, once it's over, you want to take the ride again. -Richard Bist, Author, Blogger, Editor, Reviewer I am so impressed by how many different styles were undertaken. The stories just got better and better. Having been adopted and having adopted, I really connected with "Freedom 500." "Sleeping Bear" was a wonderful story, and it made me laugh even in the tense moment, because that has happened to me before. "It was an Accident" was surprising and the ending really spoke to me! -Rebecca Armstrong, Middle Grade Author "Emily's Advanced Guide to Marriage": A stay-at-home mom and wife who agonizes for a little peace and quiet, only to find it's not all it's cracked up to be. Her insecurities about her looks tempt her to change things up for her husband, who she suspects wants a younger model. What happens when she doesn't really know what he wants? This is a great story that sheds a light on the insecurities women deal with more from external pressure than internal fears. Emily is a character the reader will want to reach her goal of happiness by embracing her true self. The validation from her husband opens her eyes to self-acceptance. In the end, she is enough! -Micki Morency, Award-winning author "Sleeping Bear" tells the story of Julio, an Ecuadorian immigrant living in Miami, as he prepares for the job interview of his life. Since he and his wife, Maria, have been in Miami, he has washed dishes and struggled to learn English, while also searching for an opportunity to secure sponsorship in his actual field of engineering. On the day he finally has his big interview, it feels like their entire future is on the line. [I]t seems like fate is working against him . [E]ven the most seemingly insignificant decision can shift the scales. This is a modern-day fable depicting how our fates...seek to be in divine, cosmic balance. -Angela Hoke, Award-winning author "Prison Break": A pair of women convicts are reduced to a colorless life where the only things to help them plot their escape are the nuances of sound. Executing their plan is easy. Staying out of prison proves more difficult. "Freedom 500": Winner of Gestalt Media's July 2020 short story contest This is a compelling story of a damaged little girl and the special horse who comes to her rescue. A true delight to read. -Terri Harrington, Author "It was an Accident" Winner of Gest Media's September 2020 short story contest Eliza is a mother with a fierce temper that threatens the very life she desperately desires to protect. A cautionary tale.