Tom Reitze wants to tantalize us by easing us into
his writings one short story at a time in a collection he calls STORIES OF A
DIFFERENT NATURE. He at least lets us know that he doesn’t write in a specific genre. Rather he says his “genre
is somewhat like a tossed salad.”
He
has written a book, but he’s holding that back, too. For now, he just wants to
let you know about his first short story in his new collection, just published, titled DATE WITH A CHAIR. He’s only telling us that he didn't write it "to produce joy and happiness", but it might stir some controversy.
When he’s ready, he’ll let us know about his
next story in our series of interviews. Until then, he’s revealing himself by
responding to one question at a time.
Q: Before I ask you specifically about your
first short story, can you tell us what caused you to decide to write and
release a series of short stories? Are they related to each other? What can you
tell us about them in general? What genre are they?
Tom Reitze: About five or six years ago I wrote a full-length book that I
desperately want to publish. I wanted to present my personal beliefs, which are
based on logic and those developed by simply living, as a contrast against
those that people have by accepting unbending doctrine. I hope I did a good job
because it took four years to complete the book. But I will say it was no task
of fatigue. I loved every minute writing it. It would take a big effort to
publish it though, so as a first foray into the business I thought I would
start with something smaller. I’ve found writing short stories to be very
enjoyable. So once I started I kept going.
The stories
are not really related. But many of them do have a common thread of the
supernatural. But they vary in nature from the series to the comical.
There are
different styles of writing that I use, and I cross a wide range of subject
matter. I think you will see that as more of the stories are released. I enjoy
writing humorous material, but sometimes I’m pulled towards darker side of
things. I think it depends on my mood, or perhaps some gray event that stirs my
thought process .
Ha! As to
genre, they’re splattered all over the place. I think I would get bored not
letting my mind wander to any place it wants to. I think my genre is somewhat
like a tossed salad.
Q: Do you believe paranormal fiction offers a
useful vehicle to both tell your story and to deliver message or educate your
readers? Or do you use it basically to make your story entertaining?
Tom Reitze: Yes I think that is true, paranormal fiction is a good method for
conveying information. I’m not sure I believe in it, but I do think it is a
good way to put some of my ideas out in the open. Many people are interested in
the subject; maybe it will draw them to my work. Let the reader decide if what
is presented is viable. I never want to present myself as understanding
everything. I believe everyone’s opinion counts.
I think the
entertainment value is what most people are looking for in these types of work.
I also believe you can use the element of the paranormal to capture peoples
attention and have them pay a little bit more attention to the details of the
story. That way you can convey some ideas people would overlook otherwise. I
think that goes for writing humorous pieces as well. Don't get me wrong, I'm
not out to present some great insight I think I have. The stories are often
presented as nothing more than what you see. Then there are times I will
present some that are more serious. The intent then is to have the reader
continue to contemplate the story after the last page is turned. You'll have to
wait some time for one of those though. They are somewhat rare.
Q: What can you tell us about your first story, DATE WITH A CHAIR?
Will it scare us? Amuse us? Make us happy?
Tom Reitze: This first story is not one I created to
produce joy and happiness. Those are coming; don’t worry—along with tales
of mystery, the supernatural, sheer craziness, and the power of love and kindness.
I think this one will capture your attention in that it’s presented in an
unusual location, with a strange juxtaposition between the main characters. A
third character enters the scene and muddles the situation even further.
This story may present some controversy. I’m waiting
myself to see the reaction to a few of the concepts it presents. Will it
scare you? It’s not a deep thriller if that’s what you mean. But I think
it is somewhat captivating and I hope people read it freely and with an open
mind. I hope people capture the basic proposal that is the support of the
story, and it makes them think a bit.
Q: What’s next? Or do you prefer to keep it a
secret until it’s ready for release?
Tom Reitze: Well, I like to keep the specifics of what’s next locked in my
closet. However, I will say again, my stories cover a wide range of topics. You
could find any kind of tale popping up next. There are silly ones, and some I
hope that might make the reader sit back and think about things a little
differently. I hope people appreciate them, and maybe even allow their minds to
be opened by a few of them.
About Tom
Reitze by Tom Reitze
“I am a very opinionated individual and was
sure I knew what was wrong with society and how to fix it. I planned to
write a series of editorials and bind them into a book. Before I started, I realized
no one in the world would give a damn about what this unknown writer had to
say. I decided to expose my feelings in the form of fictional stories,
something people would be more likely to read.
"My 22 lb. cat, Horus agrees. He is very
opinionated as well.
"I am contradictory. I will present one idea at one
time, and then write another story that presents the opposite concepts. I like
to believe I am a person willing to listen to and consider both sides of
an issue. Some of my writing is serious, some of it is supernatural in
nature, and some of it is humorous (I hope).”
About STORIES OF A DIFFERENT NATURE by Tom
Reitze
“STORIES OF A DIFFERENT NATURE is my first
foray into eBooks. One at a time they will sneak out and onto Amazon over
the next several months. There is a novella ready to make a surprise appearance
“between the stories” as well. Watch for them. Give them a try. Let me know
what you think at dragonflybooksandart.com and review them
on Amazon.
"Horus and I are ready for you to read the
stories. I hope you like them.”
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