Fiction deals with imagination.
But that doesn’t mean the tale is not based in reality.
For me, and I think for most other writers, short stories or novels spring from a place of deep impression. By that I mean the germ of the idea and often times even the things that take place in a story, are often formed from real events in an author’s life. I believe that’s where the resonance comes from, the relatability. I believe it was Robert Frost who said, “No tears in the writer, no tears, in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” Fiction is not a documentary. But it is based on a reality that gives imaginative life it’s grit and breath.
I’m offering a short story here as an example. This story, Kindred Spirits, an ode to my dog. Actually to two dogs I’ve owned. One growing up and one I just had to put to sleep this week after a very close and faithful companionship of fourteen years. Dogs have played an important role in my life and it seems like the hardest times I’ve had to endure have been with a furry faithful companion at my side.
My dog’s name was Sam and because he was so important to me, this is a small way of paying tribute to him.
Some of the circumstances in the story happened, some did not. But the emotion that flows from the story is very real.
