My story “Just Another Pinball Wizard” was recently released as part of Of Wizards and Wolves: Tales of Transformation
This is a special book, and I am very happy to be part of it. It is a memorial anthology for writer/teacher David Farland and all proceeds go to the scholarship fund of the Superstars Writing Seminars, which David co-founded (that is him on the amazing cover!).
I’ve been to Superstars, met Dave a couple of times, and am a better writer because of his teachings. His death was sudden, and it feels good to do something to give back.
Now I have to talk about this story. On accepting it for this anthology, the editor, Lisa Mangum, paid me about the best compliment a writer can get. She said, “…gives me definite Stephen King-vibes” and “…it was one I kept thinking about long after I read it.”
What you hope for as a storyteller is that there is something about your story that not only entertains your audience but leaves them thinking. And I don’t mind the Stephen King reference either!
To tell you the truth, I didn’t think Lisa would take this story. Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was a good story, powerful even, and I definitely had something to say, but it is dark and I wasn’t sure it would fit the anthology. “Just Another Pinball Wizard” is one of my rare horror stories and, thematically, explores what we will do to each other to feed our own addictions.
The book has gotten a nice review from Publishers Weekly:
“By turns heartbreaking and humorous—but always magical—this anthology is a fitting tribute that’s sure to please Farland’s fans.”
Publishers Weekly
And here’s a video review:
Be sure to check this one out!
