Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of writing a book? Well, I’m here to tell you what happened for me.
This collection of short stories is like a rollercoaster ride through the twists and turns of the human psyche. Each tale peels back the layers of our minds, revealing the stuff that keeps us up at night. Trust me, it's been one heck of a journey, both for me as the writer and (hopefully) for you as the reader.
So, what's "Autopsy of the Mind" all about? Picture this: a bunch of stories that dive headfirst into the murky waters of human nature. You've got Frank in "A Watchful Eye," whose dark secrets might make your skin crawl, and the mind-bending chaos of "Tides of Deception." Each story is its own little world, designed to pull you in and mess with your head – in the best way possible, of course.
Where did these twisted tales come from? A bit of everything, really. Personal experiences with forensics, people-watching (not the creepy kind, I swear), and a healthy obsession with what makes us tick. I wanted to create stories that not only keep you turning pages but also leave you staring at the ceiling, pondering life's big questions.
Now, let me tell you, writing short stories is a whole different ball game. It's like trying to pack for a month-long trip in a carry-on bag. Every word has to earn its place, and you've got to hook readers faster than a cat video on social media. The trick? Start with a bang, keep the tension high, and know when to reveal your hand – and when to let readers' imaginations run wild.
The writing process? Pure chaos, sprinkled with moments of brilliance (if I do say so myself). Ideas hit me at the weirdest times – mid-shower, on the treadmill, during a boring meeting, you name it. Once an idea sunk its claws in, I'd scribble like mad, mapping out characters and plots until something resembling a story emerged.
Of course, it wasn't all smooth sailing. Writer's block? Oh yeah, we became well acquainted. But I found that sometimes, the best thing to do was step away, binge-watch a TV series, or go for a run. Coming back with fresh eyes often did the trick.
Here's the kicker – this book wasn't just about telling stories. It became my lifeline. Ten months ago, I lost my father suddenly and unexpectedly, and the grief was overwhelming. Simultaneously, I was grappling with the challenges of finding suitable long-term care for my mother, who had relied on my father as her primary caregiver. In the midst of this emotional turmoil, I turned to writing as a form of escape and healing. What started as a single book grew into two separate works as I poured 1729 hours into crafting these stories. When my editor suggested that the original manuscript was too long for a collection of short stories, "Dissection of the Soul" was born, complementing "Autopsy of the Mind." This journey through grief and creativity has not only produced these books but has also been an integral part of my healing process.
Writing "Autopsy of the Mind" has also been a journey of personal and creative growth. It has taught me the value of patience, persistence, and the importance of staying true to one's vision. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but also moments of profound satisfaction and joy. Seeing the finished book in print, knowing the effort and passion that went into each story, has been incredibly rewarding.
To all you aspiring writers out there, here's my two cents: write what sets your soul on fire. Write the stuff that scares you, thrills you, keeps you up at night. Embrace the crazy rollercoaster of the writing process – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. And remember, your voice is unique. Use it. Even if you never publish it, do it.
"Autopsy of the Mind" isn't just a book – it's a deep dive into the weird and wonderful world of human consciousness. I hope it messes with your head as much as it messed with mine while writing it. For fellow writers, I encourage you to dip your toe into the world of short stories. It's a challenging but immensely rewarding form of writing that sharpens your skills and deepens your understanding of storytelling.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. This book and its companion, “Dissection of the Soul” will be released September 1, 2024. I hope your minds stay delightfully twisted!