Part of Olivia Housley’s Self-Published book August. And Other Short Stories.

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There are only 39 or so pages to this self-published short story collection. The stories are raw and do not conform at all times to grammar conventions. I’m not sure whether the writer did that on purpose or whether they are not aware of these conventions. Either way, I sort of liked that. With long blocks of paragraph texts, in which dialogue is not separated from the rest of the text other than by quotes (sometimes you don’t even know who the speaker is) reading August felt like a blend of free verse poetry and narrative combined.

Very refreshing.

I think I liked it because it made me feel like the author was more concerned about the story than the language to tell the story. It is so easy to make that mistake and reverse that hierarchy. I think it also takes courage to put something out there that is imperfect. Yet from the imperfect it becomes less forgettable. There is an acceptance by me as a reader to look beyond classic style and instead look into what the author is trying to say rather than the how they are trying to say it.

Experiencing this is one reason why I like Indie Books and Self-Published books. Because there is something in these stories.

And I think that a traditional publisher would have trouble seeing it,

As a result, without Indie Publishing and Self-Publishing, we wouldn’t otherwise get to experience the stories in this collection. Some thoughts on a few stories: “I don’t drive highway 65 anymore” and “I’m never the first through a door” are both spooky in a subtle modern way. They are told with an effective use of the rhetorical device ‘anamnesis’ (recalling ideas, events or persons of the past).

“In the home of Old man Sam” there is a clever and unusual use of the rhetorical device of diorthosis (preparing way for something the speaker knows will be unpleasant to his auditors). This occurs when a man converses with the very house that he lives in.

Then there is “I Bring Winter” which is successful employment of “euche” or a prayer for evil; curse. It also got me thinking about parallels to the Night King in Game of Thrones. In my book, when that happens the author has won.

Author’s own Book synopsis of August. And Other Short Stories. Buy on Amazon by clicking this link.

My name is Olivia Housley, I have been writing for 11+ years, these are my absolute favorite stories picked from various points in those years. I hope you enjoy them and Thank you for your support!

Recommended Transient Visitors Stories by Dave if you liked this self-published book:

Orchardkeeper and Game Night(s).