Ciao, amici! It’s always a pleasure to open my blog to other writers. I’m delighted to welcome new guests just as much as people I’ve known and adored for ages. Today, I have the pleasure of hosting not only an extremely gifted writer, but also one with whom I share a long and lovely history. She’s a another Keystoner (though, to my great disappointment, we don’t agree about the Steelers), a colleague at Story Empire, and a dear friend. Many of you know her. If you’ve read her work, you’ve surely been blown away by it. She can turn a phrase like no one I’ve ever met. Today, she’s here to tell us about her new release, an anthology of several stories that transcend the world we know. Please join me in welcoming Mae Clair as she tells us about Things Old and Forgotten.
Hi, Staci! It’s great to be back on your blog. Thanks for hosting me and allowing me to share my newest release with your readers. Things Old and Forgotten is a collection of short fiction that includes stories in several genres—magical realism, fantasy, speculative, even two that touch on mild horror. One of the stories is especially personal. The entire tale came to me in the form of an extremely vivid dream decades ago.
Father’s Day is a fictional tale layered with personal truths. Thirty-three-year-old Beth learns the father who passed away from cancer when she was thirteen, has secretly been kept alive in an experimental treatment facility. Many of the feelings Beth experiences in the story—the things she never got to do with her dad—those are my feelings.
I lost my father to colon cancer when I was thirteen. The details given about “Bob Harriman’s” life are taken from my father’s life. I rarely include anything personal about myself or family members in a story, but Father’s Day is different—it was specifically written about MY dad.
And then there is the dream, which I still recall clearly all these years later. What I remember most (except for the ending) was the utter drenching of light in the care facility where Bob Harriman lived. Sunlight, white light, luminescent light—shining, glowing, nearly blinding. I tried to capture that in the story without overdoing it.
Below is an excerpt from an earlier scene. Beth has driven to the town of Wheaton at the request of her mother. After meeting with her mom, she phones her husband, Ethan.
EXCERPT:
The sound of her husband’s voice brought tears to her eyes. With effort, she kept her greeting steady. “Ethan, it’s Beth. I saw Mom, and—”
“I worried something happened when I didn’t hear from you. Did you meet Peggy?”
She wiped her cheeks. “There is no Peggy. My Mom’s been traveling up here all these years to…” She couldn’t finish the thought. Say the impossible.
“To what?” There was no mistaking the frown in Ethan’s voice. “What’s going on?”
“My Dad isn’t dead.” She grabbed a tissue to blow her nose, bottom lip quivering.
“Don’t joke.” There was no humor in her husband’s grunt of disbelief. Only hours ago, when her mom revealed the truth over a lunch of Caesar salads and lemon-laced tea, Beth reacted much the same.
“Elizabeth—”
“She told me he’s been in a care facility all this time—here in Wheaton.” The inconceivable reality spilled out through fresh tears. “Experimental treatments for cancer.”
“That’s impossible. Didn’t you tell me there was a viewing? A funeral?”
“It was closed casket.” She dabbed her eyes. Her head thrummed like it might explode. “At the time, my mom said she did it for me. So I wouldn’t have to see his body.”
She felt his hesitation, bottled with frustration. Anger that he was home when she was miles away, facing the dilemma alone. Losing the battle with grief, she sobbed into the phone.
“That’s it. I’m coming up there. If I leave now, I can be there by—”
“No!” She needed to do this on her own. She’d promised her mother. “I’ll be okay. It’s just been a shock.”
“Do you believe her?”
“I don’t know what to believe.” She snatched another tissue. “I’m supposed to see him tomorrow. Mom made arrangements.”
Ethan exhaled noisily. It was how she felt—pent-up inside, the turbulent weight of her emotions a stone around her neck.
“Why now?” Ethan’s question mirrored what she’d asked her mother. “Why keep it secret all this time?”
BOOK BLURB:
A man keeping King Arthur’s dream of Camelot alive.
A Robin Hood battling in a drastically different Sherwood.
A young man facing eternity in the desert.
A genteel southern lady besting a powerful order of genies.
A woman meeting her father decades after his death.
These are but a few of the intriguing tales waiting to be discovered in Things Old and Forgotten. Prepare to be transported to realms of folklore and legend, where magic and wonder linger around every corner, and fantastic possibilities are limited only by imagination.
Thanks again or hosting me, Staci. In honor of my love for autumn—a fantastic time to curl up with a book—Things Old and Forgotten will be on sale for .99c through October 31st.
US PURCHASE LINK | UK PURCHASE LINK
Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts: Amazon|BookBub|Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog|Twitter|Goodreads|All Social Media
Old friend, new release. All fantastic.
I confess to reading an advance copy of the anthology, and it’s amazing. This particular story really stuck with me, so I’m glad it was the one Mae chose to feature on my site.
I wish her much success—richly deserved—with this release, and I hope you’ll join me in celebrating these stories. If you’re so inclined, click those like, share, and purchase links, then leave Mae a comment below. Grazie!
Deep and personal, this sounds like a touching read. My condolences for the loss of your father at such a young age, Mae. Thanks for helping to spread the word about Mae’s new release, Staci.
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It was my pleasure, Mark. Thanks for stopping by.
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Thanks Staci. This is wonderful to know. Wishing Mae success. Hugs to you both.
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I’m sure you’ve seen her all over the blogosphere. You can’t go wrong with any of the stories in this one. Thanks, Teagan.
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It’s clear you’re sharing very powerful ties and emotions, Mae. I respect you for writing this and incuding. I lost my father at fourteen, and that day of knowing is such a benchmark.
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So many people here have mentioned losing a father early. It’s tragic. I’m so sorry to hear that, Flossie.
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Sorry you lost your father at such a young age, Mae. I lost mine at 16 years old, and for me there were so many questions I wished I could have asked now that I’m older. I just started Things Old and Forgotten last night and know I will look at this short story now through a different lens. Thanks for hosting, Staci xo
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I’m so sorry to hear that, Denise. I’m sure that will add to the poignance of Father’s Day for you.
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Denise, I feel for you, too. You’re so right about all the things I would have asked. I feel that way with my grandfather, too. I’m just thankful for the 13 years I had with my dad, as I’m sure you are for the 16 you had with yours. Thanks for visiting with me today. I hope you enjoy the stories in Things Old and Forgotten!
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A huge congratulations to Mae! This is a gripping excerpt and to know it partially came from Mae losing her dad at 13, makes it even more poignant. I am knee-deep in this book and loving each story! Thank you for hosting today, Staci!
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I can still recall so many images from the dream I had that resulted in this story, Jan. The only time I’ve ever been gifted a story like that in the form of a dream. I think it was meant to be. Just very odd that it happened twenty years after my dad’s passing.
I thrilled to hear you’re enjoying the stories. That’s the best news a writer can have! {{hugs}}
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It was my pleasure to host her. And because this was a favorite story of mine, I’m glad she chose to highlight this story on my site. So glad you dropped by, Jan.
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WOW. I’m so glad I bought the book, Mae. This excerpt is wonderful. I lost my dad when I was 10 and still have a tough time writing about it. It is a brave thing you’ve done. O can’t wait to read the stories.
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Sorry, Staci. Thanks for hosting Mae today.
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I remember you lost your dad really young too, John. Even younger than me. It’s so hard. No matter what your age, it’s difficult to lose a parent, but when you’re a child, well…you know how that feels.
I’m glad I was gifted this story. I still remember the waking and feeling blessed after the dream.
I’m glad you’re looking forward to the stories!
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Thanks, Mae. I know I’m going to like them and this one for sure.
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Many of you are writing about losing your father at a young age. That breaks my heart. I’m so sorry to hear that.
Thanks for stopping by to support Mae.
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Thanks, Staci. 🤗
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The weight of her emotions a lodestone around her neck- I remember that feeling from when my own father passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack.
Powerful, Mae.
I have my copy- congrats on the new release!
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I can’t imagine the devastation of loss from a massive heart attack. In some ways, I had time to prepare for my father’s passing, although when you’re a kid you never think losing a parent is possible.
Thank you for downloading the book, Jacquie. I hope you enjoy the stories.
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Not having a chance to prepare for that loss must have been devastating. I’m sorry, Jacquie.
Thanks for supporting Mae and her new release.
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Wishing Mae much success. Downloaded my copy and have it in my TBR pile.
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Yay! Thank you all around, Michele! 🙂
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Thanks, Michele!
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Beautiful excerpt and story, Mae. It resonates deeply, even though my father had a full life. I love your dream and honor the memories of it. How precious, how gifted! Time sometimes seems very fluid, doesn’t it? Yesterday can seem like years ago, but the reverse is also true – “it seems like it was only yesterday”. Thank you for sharing, and thank you, Staci, for the beautiful spotlight you’ve offered Mae. I’m totally captivated by the anthology and may finish tonight. 💗
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I’m so glad you enjoyed this excerpt (and are enjoying the anthology), Gwen. It’s strange how fresh and current writing this story made everything seem even though my father died decades ago. I do still feel that loss and there are times in can level me. Most of the time though, I’m left with the beautiful memories I cherish.
Thanks so much for such a lovely comment. Have an awesome day!
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Time is strange. Its units never change, yet we perceive its passing so differently. What’s the saying? The days pass slowly but the years fly by?
Thanks for visiting and supporting Mae, Gwen.
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Great post, you two! Staci, thanks for showcasing Mae’s new book today, and Mae!! Mae, Mae, Mae!! You’ve outdone yourself on this one. I’m well into the book now, and enjoying every single tale so far. I agree totally with Staci about your ability to “turn a phrase,” a talent I value enormously in my favorite writers. I swear, I was grabbed by the way you do this on the very first page of Things Old and Forgotten, and had to stop long enough to highlight your description of the surf coming ashore. So beautiful!
Congratulations on getting this one “out there,” and I hope you sell untold MILLIONS of copies! It would be well-deserved! 🤗💗🤗
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It would be well-deserved. Thanks for the glowing praise, Marcia.
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Untold millions. Oh, what a joy that would be. One can hope, right? 🙂
I am so delighted you’re enjoying the stories. I really had fun writing the different types of tales in this book. There was a time when magical realism and fantasy was all I wrote so it was like revisiting a past love. Thanks so much for your kind words and all your support, my PenderPal. You have me grinning ear-to-ear and doing a happy dance!
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I’m so happy with this book, I’ll dance right alongside of you, Mae–only slower, and less well-coordinated.😁 Still, it’s a happy dance!
And yep to the untold millions. Why not dream big?? 😂
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🙂
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I started reading this today and it’s been a wonderful read so far. Congratulations, Mae! And I’m sorry about your father.
Also, hi Staci, I’m new around here and I’ll be sticking around 👋🏻
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Welcome, Marie! So glad to have you here. Thank you for stopping by to support Mae, and I’m delighted to know you’re staying.😊
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Marie, it’s great to see you on Staci’s blog. And I’m absolutely delighted your enjoying Things Old and Forgotten.
Thanks for the condolences about my dad, too. The story Father’s Day really resonates in my heart.
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What a concept! I’m not sure how I’d feel if I suddenly learned someone I loved and thought I’d lost was actually alive all this time. But you did a great job of expressing her emotion and letting us know how close she and her husband are. A great excerpt. A bit jarring and poignant at the same time.
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It would be painful and joyful and a million other things, all at the same time, I’m sure. And I felt all those things with her. The story wormed its way into my psyche years ago when I first read a draft and its been there ever since. I’m certain I’ll never let it go.
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Thanks, Judi. Conveying the emotion in Father’s Day was definitely a balancing act. I’m glad you think the excerpt worked. There’s a lot of emotion that carries throughout the story. And a lot I experienced while writing it! Thanks for visiting today!
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A typical excellent story from Mae. Loved it! I was raised in Pennsylvania back when Willie Mays and Roberto Clemente played for the Pirates. I knew there was something (more) I loved about both of you.
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A kindred spirit! Love knowing that, Jacqui. ❤️
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Thanks for that lovely compliment, Jacqui.
And I didn’t know you were once a Keystoner, too! That’s awesome!
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I’m so sorry you lost your father at such a young age, Mae. That you based this story on him makes it even more special. So excited to get started with this book!
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It does add a poignancy to the story. So glad you grabbed a copy. Thanks for visiting, Teri.
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It was definitely a rough time in my life, Teri. My mom and I really leaned on each other.
I’m thankful I was able to write Father’s Day about my dad. I’m delighted you’re looking forward to getting started on the book. Thank you!
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Congratulations on the new release. What a touching story!
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Thank you, Sharon! I feel truly blessed to have been gifted with the story Father’s Day.
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It stuck with me since the first time I read it. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it. Thanks, Sharon.
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Staci, thank you so much for hosting me today, and for that lovely introduction. I’m so thankful for your friendship and support. I can’t think of a better person to kick off my blog tour for Things Old and Forgotten. BIG HUGS!!
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Hugs right back. I’m delighted to help you introduce your masterpiece to the world. And I was humbled by the introduction you wrote on your blog. I can’t wish you enough good things. Here’s to much success. You deserve it!
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❤
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That’s an intriguing snippet. I started reading my copy yesterday, so I’m chipping away at it.
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Thank you, Craig.I’m delighted to hear you’re reading the stories. I hope you enjoy them all!
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It’s hard to pick a favorite. But I know this is one I’ll never forget. Thanks, Craig.
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I got goosebumps when reading this, Mae. It’s rough to lose your father at a young age. I was twenty-one when I lost mine, and I can’t imagine what it would be like at thirteen.
I began reading your book last night. Congrats on the new release, and a big thanks to you, Staci, for hosting today.
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When I lost my dad, those were tough years for certain. I still have moments, all these decades later. I expect you can related to that, too, Joan.
I’m excited you’re reading the book. Thanks for the congratulations. I hope you enjoy all of the stories!
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My heart breaks for both of you to have lost your fathers so young. I know how blessed I am to still have mine. Thanks for adding your support, Joan.
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You are blessed, Staci. Cherish the moments you gave. ❤️
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Believe me, I do. After being away for so long, I really try to appreciate any time I have with my family. Even the moments that are a bit challenging.
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The story behind the story is so touching 🤗. I can’t wait to read the rest of it. Thank you for sharing this post, Staci! And, Mae, you already know that I was quick to download this gem.❤️
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Aww, thanks, Tessa. I’m excited to be on your read list.
Father’s Day was the only story I was ever “gifted” in a dream, start to finish. It occurred twenty years after my father’s death, but I’ve always treasured that dream and the story. Thanks for visiting today!
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It is a gem, Tessa. So glad you grabbed a copy. Thanks.
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Oh Mae, so sorry to hear you lost your father when you were so young. I’ve started reading Things Old and Forgotten, and I’m enjoying it!
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So glad to hear you’re enjoying this collection! Thanks for sharing that, Priscilla.
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Thanks, Priscilla. It was definitely rough losing my dad so young, especially because we were so close.
I’m so glad to learn you’re enjoying Things Old and Forgotten! 🙂
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Thirteen is a difficult age overall, never mind with a loss like that. What a wonderful way to remember your feelings, Mae. I have this book on my ereader now and can’t wait to read it. Best of luck with this release! 🙂
Staci, thanks for sharing 🙂
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You’re so right about thirteen being difficult before adding a loss to it. I hope Mae found writing this story cathartic.
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I was so fortunate to be gifted with the dream that resulted in Father’s Day, Harmony. The whole thing popped into my head complete from start to finish twenty years after his death. I do treasure this story.
Thanks for letting me know Things Old and Forgotten is waiting on your ereader. I’m excited to be on your read list!
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I’m sorry to hear this about your father, Mae. I hope writing this story provided some comfort for you. Congratulations on your release. I’m so happy for you! Thanks for hosting, Staci.
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I’m always glad to have guests, especially one as talented as Mae. Thanks for visiting and supporting her.
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Writing the story certainly did bring comfort, Jill. Every time I read or think of Father’s Day, I feel a closeness to my dad.
Many thanks on the congratulations. They are much appreciated!
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Ps just downloaded as I was looking for a new collection to add.
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Thanks. I’m sure you’ll love it. I know I did.
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Thank you so much, Janet! That is wonderful to hear.
I truly hope you enjoy all of the stories in my collection!
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That is sad to lose your dad so young.A brilliant idea for a story. I I’ve to have short story collections on my Kindle.
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It was a great idea for a story. And this is a wonderful collection to download. Thanks for supporting Mae today.
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It just amazed me that the whole idea popped into my head completely formed as a dream. The only time that has ever happened to me. I’m so grateful for it.
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Staci, it’s lovely to see Mae here and sharing the exciting news about her latest book release.
Mae, the book cover is exquisite and the blurb to your book intriguing and inviting! I’m hooked and off to get a copy! As a writer I think engaging with some of our own experiences and knowledge of others only enriches one’s writing. My heart goes out to you at losing your father at such a young age … I’m sure he would be so proud of Father’s Day, the other stories and all your work. Hugs xx
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I have no doubt her father is beaming with pride and joy, Annika. Thanks for showing Mae support today.
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Annika, thank you for that beautiful comment. My father (in addition to being an artist) dabbled with words. My love of writing comes from him. He instilled that passion in me from a young age and we were very close. I’d never shared anything as personal as “Father’s Day” before, but I couldn’t resist including it in my collection of stories.
Thank you so much for grabbing a copy. I hope you enjoy all of the tales!
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Sorry to hear that you lost your dad to colon cancer when you were so young, Mae. It gave you special meaning to write Father’s Day based on your father’s life. I’m sure it will warm my heart when I read it. Congratulations on your new release. Thank you for hosting the tour, Staci! ❤
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Knowing the story behind the story certainly adds weight to the tale. I’m glad she shared this here, as this piece really resonated with me. Thanks, Miriam.
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I agree with you, Staci. I have the story behind the story in my first children’s book which is based on my daughter’s experience as a child. It meant so much to her.
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Those things mean so much.
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They sure do!
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Thank you, Miriam. The story Father’s Day warms my heart when I read it, and I hope it will do the same for others. Plus it allowed me to express feelings about loss and love. Thanks so much for your support and I hope you enjoy all of the stories in the collection!
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I know the heartwarming experience, Mae. I’m glad you did it. What a lovely way to remember your dad. It will be a treasuring piece. I’m sure I’ll enjoy all the stories!
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I think writing about personal incidents either privately or publicly is a healthy and necessary therapeutic activity. I’m motivated to pick this up based on Father’s Day and the connection to Mae’s father. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Mae is a talented writer.😎
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She is, indeed, a rare talent. Her Father’s Day story really stuck with me. But many of the stories in this anthology did. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Thanks for visiting.
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Aww, you are so kind, Pete. Believe it or not, it was hard to put “Father’s Day” out there. I’m such a ridiculous introvert/private person, it still feels odd. By the same token, I WANT people to know what a special man my dad was, and I feel like I was given the dream that created the story for a reason.
Thanks for your awesome support. I hope you enjoy the story and all of the tales in the collection!
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I get that there are things so private that it feels like they shouldn’t be shared. My dad was a good man, but he found it difficult to show affection in his strict German upbringing. I needed that, and it wasn’t until later in life that I think hugging and telling his son he loved him became easier. If anything, I’ve probably overcompensated with my son and other loved ones in my life. I figure better too much than too little. I commend you for your choice.
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Pete, thanks for sharing that. I’m glad your father was able to throw off the shackles that prevented him from doing those things earlier in life. I think that was probably true of most men with their sons, but it’s wonderful how times have changed and men are so involved with their kids now. I totally agree on the too much vs. too little. The way it should be! 🙂
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Pingback: Book Tour Day 1: Things Old and Forgotten by Mae Clair #speculativefiction #magicalrealism #fantasy #newrelease | From the Pen of Mae Clair
This book sounds perfect for me and I’ve put it at the top of my list. I am sorry that this story is based on such a sad event, Mae, but writing about those bottled up feelings is a very good escape valve. I include little bits about my sons illnesses in my writing sometimes and it is quite cleansing. Thank you for hosting, Staci.
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Writing about personal events can be cathartic. Thanks for visiting and sharing your experiences, Robbie.
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Robbie, thank you so much. I am honored that Things Old and Forgotten is moving to the top of your read list. And you’re right about including personal elements being cleansing. I’m just so not used to doing it. Father’s Day was a big step for me, but I was given that dream for a reason and wanted to honor my father’s life by telling the tale.
Thanks again for all your support!
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My pleasure, Mae. I am looking forward to this book.
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🙂
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