History or Fiction?
There is a lingering notion that I am writing a history of Greenfield, Ohio. Let me state that I am not writing a history of Greenfield, Ohio. and I have tried to make that clear from day one.
"The Streets Of Greenfield" is a short story collection known as a short story cycle. Short story cycles feature stories that are interwoven with recurring characters and storylines. The stories stand alone when read individually and form a broader narrative when read together, kind of like a novel.
There will be between sixteen and twenty fictional stories that are set in and around Greenfield, a real Appalachian small town located in rural south-central Ohio. The people and events depicted are purely fictional. Some are based loosely on people I have known and events that may have occurred. Others aren't based on anything but my imagination. The same goes for landmarks mentioned in the stories. Some are real; some are sort of real, and others are made up.
The stories cover a wide range of topics. A couple are funny, a few are sad, some will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and others will make you angry. Some will make you feel a bit uneasy. Some are rated G; others are rated PG or strong R. Why such a range of content and emotion? Because life itself is full of a range of content and emotion. Every day isn't sunny. Sometimes we win, and sometimes we lose. We have good neighbors, and we have bad ones. Blood isn't always thicker than water, hard work doesn't always pay off, some victories are hollow, and we don't always get what we deserve. Does that make sense?
I love anti-heroes, and you'll meet several in my stories. Anti-heroes are everywhere. Fiction is full of them, Tony Soprano, Robin Hood, Batman, Josey Wales, Han Solo, Captain Jack Sparrow, Walter White, John Rambo, and Donald Duck. Want real-life examples? David, from the Bible, was an epic anti-hero. How about Napoleon, Bonnie and Clyde, the 1970s Oakland Raiders, and "Nature Boy" Ric Flair?
So, in summary, "The Streets Of Greenfield" is not a historical account. It is a work of fiction by yours truly, a bonafide native son of Little Chicago, aka Greenfield, Ohio.
Next week I will start sharing some specific information on the stories and characters within so you can get prepared for the coming June release. I can't wait to present my first book to the world. I think you're going to like it!
Please leave comments and questions in the comment section!
I received your book “The Streets of Greenfield” as a gift from Paul & Sharon Elliott recently. I just finished it. You are an extremely talented writer. I graduated from Edward Lee McClain High School in 1968. I only attended Greenfield my last 3 years of high school. You see, I was “one-of-those Buckskin girls.” When Buckskin School lost its charter & ultimately consolidated with Greenfield it was difficult. Coming from a small village school & going to the big town plus, having grown up on a dairy farm, I wasn’t exposed to “the real world.” Now in my 70s & having experienced a bit more of the world than Greenfield I thoroughly enjoyed & appreciated your writing. I can…
I read the free chapters and could not see any ties to Greenfield just a story from a song about a man in jail about be terminated. I grew up in Greenfield on the South side born 1945, also has any of my friends referred to Greenfield as little Chicago and my friends were bit more into the night life than Mr. Grates.
I can’t wait to read your book! I just stumbled onto your blog I always enjoyed your Facebook post wasn’t sure where you went glad I found you here! By the way this is Amy aka Myrtel 🤣
I'm looking forward to reading your book!
Looking forward to reading this Eric