I have been curious about what it takes to bring together an anthology. Within Ear Shot – Rumors, Whispers, and Lies by Teapots Away Media is built around a theme and I thought it would be fun to host the authors and see what they thought of the prompt, how they approached it and if their interpretations varied. Check out the book blurb below and then we will dive into the interview.
Have you ever heard part of a conversation you weren’t meant to hear? Do you feel compelled to listen in on others? Ever wondered what it would be like to be a fly on a wall? What if what you heard could hurt your marriage? How would you handle it if you were suddenly attuned to the conversation of the gods? All those things happen here and more when you crack open the pages of this anthology.
The Blue Quill chapter of the League of Utah Writers presents their anthology: Within Ear Shot – Rumors, Whispers, and Lies. Asking our local writers to tell us about an overheard conversation, this is the selection of short pieces compiled for your reading enjoyment.
First, let’s meet the authors. Introduce yourself and tell us what you write.
September: My name is September Roberts and I write romance that’s always happy ever after.
Crystal: My name is Crystal Vail. I write mainly supernatural dark fiction. I prefer to explore the human spirit through the eyes of the unexplained experiences in life.
Virginia: I am Virginia Babcock. I write romance with lots of action, read everything!
Valarie: My name is Valarie Schenk. I dream vividly of embracing spontaneity in all its forms but was born a serious soul. I have only recently given myself permission to explore avenues I have always passionately loved but was afraid to explore, namely, art and writing. I am versed in personal essay/memoir but am experimenting in poetry and short fiction.
Theron: My name’s Theron Couture and I write science fiction. My focus is on civil rights and gender rights.
Jared: I am Jared Quan, I am a multi genre author, I have published fantasy/comedy, horror/thriller, action/adventure, non-fiction/fiction. I have published novels, short stories, essays and poetry.
Ryan: I’m Ryan Decaria. I’m an author, technical writer, and podcaster. I’ve published two books about teens fighting mad scientists. I podcast about board games.
Catherine: I’m Catherine Bloom and I write sci-fi and fantasy, mostly for a young adult audience. I like to merge genres and write about unbreakable friendships.
Keith: I’m Keith Steele, and this is my first published work. I’ve started one book and a few short stories, but life keeps getting in the way of my having fun. Now I’m starting to learn the craft, and hopefully soon I’ll be able to get more of my tales in print, starting with dramatic short stories and working my way to novels.
James: James D. Beers is an award-winning humorist and an ice cream aficionado raised in the wilds of Northern Idaho and presently living in Central Arkansas with his wife Jenna and son Joseph. When he’s not busy laughing over a humorous story draft, James also pens ghost stories and middle-grade adventures.
Andria: My name is Andria Nerdin, I’m a mom of four and I like to write love stories.
Kam: I am Kam Hadley, a nonbinary author of mostly poetry and LGBTQ fiction.
How did the idea to collaborate on the anthology come to be? And why did you choose rumors, whispers and lies?
September: I’ve been a member of the Blue Quill chapter for three years. Working with my local writing group to publish an anthology has been a dream of mine since I joined. We chose eavesdropping based on a writing prompt. The idea seemed generic enough that it could be applied to all genres, but specific enough to be interesting. Who hasn’t overheard a conversation they’re not meant to?
How did you approach this prompt? Did you already have a genre in mind?
September: I knew it had to be about two people who end up as a couple, because I write romance. That part was easy. Building a relationship on an overheard conversation was harder because of the obvious consent issues, but it all worked out with a good ol’ awkward apology.
Crystal: When I saw this prompt, I remembered an unfinished story I had about a haunted antique store. This prompt fit so nicely and helped me finish the story. I usually stick to my preferred genre of supernatural fiction.
Virginia: I started writing and found I enjoyed the love story the most. I began writing situations I had experienced or observed and turned them into a love story. I still do this, but adapt each story to its premise.
Valarie: I did not have a genre in mind right off the bat. However, in January of 2019 I challenged myself to push my emotional boundaries by completing the statement “What happens when I ________?” And then following through by completing the action I finished the statement with —no matter how uncomfortable it made me feel. Finding a writing group, joining the Blue Quills Chapter of the League of Utah Writers, and ultimately writing a piece of fiction all fell under that category. I began by brainstorming ideas, pacing my hallways, writing a letter to myself, staring aimlessly at a blank blinking cursor at the top of my computer screen, etc. What happened next was fate. I overheard the mailman talking to my dog one morning and a story was born.
Theron: I generally only write science fiction, as it is the genre with the least limits, the least rules on how people can be, on who they have to be. I used Jerry’s experiences to explore the relationship between intervention and intrusion, and show how modern technology has eroded the boundaries of privacy that we at one time took for granted. It seemed a good way to look in on the subject of eavesdropping, to give it both purpose and critical examination.
Jared: As soon as I found out what the prompt was, it was instantly super clear what topic I wanted to write on. One of my side jobs is a Lyft driver. I have driven over two thousand rides, so you can imagine that I have heard just about everything. I wanted to find a genre that could capture a snapshot of what it is like to be a Lyft driver. After reviewing the various styles, I fell in love with writing a poem.
Ryan: I had the basic idea for my story in the back of my head for a while, but never really had anywhere for it to go. When we decided on eavesdropping as a launching point, I had context for my story, and it came together quickly.
Catherine: I always knew it would be fantasy. When creating new fantasy worlds, I try to do something I hadn’t done before and since I hadn’t written a secondary world prehistoric fantasy yet, that’s what I settled on. As for the prompt, I remember brainstorming ideas as soon as the anthology was announced to us. I knew Sori’s eavesdropping power would get her into trouble but it wasn’t until a friend of mine gave me a couple of prompts (something borrowed, a tomb) that things clicked and I had my story.
Keith: I think I knew I’d be writing dramatic fiction when I heard the theme. With that, I focused on one word – gossip – and let my imagination run. I took a what-if situation and created a scenario that was the start of the story. What if an ordinary guy learned some bad news? How would he react? How would the people he encountered (coworkers, old friends and new acquaintances) influence his decisions?
James: I knew I wanted to do a humor story but I didn’t really have any ideas. First, I attempted a piece about a rumor I started in college, but I couldn’t make it work. Then, brainstorming one night, I spurted out the first line for a story that would make a funny experience from my early 20s work. Rarely do I get a good strike of story inspiration like that – it was fun!
Andria: I really can only write one genre it seems, because when I tried to tackle this I thought I could write in a different genre, something outside the realm of romance. I thought it’d be easier to write something else, but ended up coming up with something cute.
Kam: I was excited about this writing prompt because I already had a character in mind that I wanted to write a story about.
I knew my character was androgynous, but I didn’t have a genre in mind when I started.
I wanted to challenge myself to write in 3rd person (My usual preference is 1st person)
Reading other author’s interpretation of the prompt and the stories they came up with, did you discover something new about the prompt?
September: I loved reading the other stories because it gave me a glimpse into the way other people’s minds work. The creativity and diversity in ideas in my chapter is astounding!
Crystal: I discovered that there are so many lovely ways to interpret any prompt. This anthology is filled with different and colorful perspectives. Readers of all genres should find at least one story that thoroughly entertains them!
Virginia: Yes! Their different takes helped open my eyes to other ways of thinking.
Valarie: I delighted in reading the other author’s innovative takes on the prompt! I discovered that it could mean so many things. We sometimes become deaf to other perspectives and narrow-minded in our approaches. I was in awe of the diverse points of view to this prompt . . . ranging from profound and life-changing everyday experiences to sci-fi battles, dark mystical matters and even other-worldy affairs. After reading other pieces, I found it easier to let go of my first inclinations of the prompt and take the story where my characters needed it to go. Most importantly, however, I was reminded how impactful our words are to those around us. There’s power in what we say. May we remember that and choose kindness —always.
Theron: I learned a great deal about what aspects of the topic cross genres and which aspects can break the genre. For example. ‘Good Jerry’ could never be written as a traditional romance, as the secondary protagonist would be interpreted as a stalker, if their actions were motivated by any interpretation of romantic love.
Jared: I always love reading other peoples works. They are inspiring and give insight into the people who wrote them. The other stories are simply brilliant and well written.
Ryan: I love how eavesdropping creates mystery and suspense no matter what genre people write in.
Catherine: I always struggle, when it comes to prompts, to come up with something “unique” so it was interesting to read the other stories and see how one idea can go in such diverse directions. What makes each story unique isn’t how far the prompt is stretched into a new take but rather how each author built upon the prompt, fleshing out worlds and circumstances to suit their needs.
Keith: I feel I looked at the prompt literally, and with that interpretation, built my story on that. I was fascinated by the range of stories and how they all stayed true to the common theme.
James: Fore sure! The diversity of stories was most surprising. Luft’s Fly on the Wall I thought was brilliant and original. Quan’s four-liners about ride-share rumors is another fave. All of the pieces were entertaining and different in their own way, opening at least my eyes to the possibilities of what tales are floating around out there in the air.
Andria: Yes, I was really impressed by the creativity of everyone. It’s so interesting how different everyone’s stories came out even though it’s the same idea behind it all.
Kam: I didn’t discover anything new about the prompt reading other author’s take on it. Mostly I was relieved that my story was unique. It reassured me that my story had a place, an importance.
Did you bring any of your life experiences to your story?
September: Absolutely. My sister and her cat were part of the story (and the town where they live), because who doesn’t want to read about a snaggle tooth cat named Sonny Bob?
Crystal: I tend to be a deep thinker and try to look under the obvious experiences in life. I feel this story helps the reader dig a little deeper into the impacts of our choices and perceptions.
Virginia: No. Only the places and locales. Everything else was based on “what would I do.” I did use mannerisms and speech from my friends and family, some of which I share.
Valarie: Yes. The dog Murphy is largely based on my friendly and ball-obsessed dog, Bo. And although Bo has developed relationships with our mail carrier and waste management provider, which, in fact, involve playing catch in the manner Murphy does, I have yet to witness them divulge personal information and grievances with him. Clara is a composite character exhibiting the personality traits of some dear friends. And, Mavis? Well, she is the confident woman I wish I could be.
Theron: I dealt with a lot of physical abuse growing up, at home and at school. This was the 1970-80s, before everybody owned a cell phone, and had access to the internet. In looking at those experiences through a modern lens, it surprises me that so many people didn’t notice, so many professional adults, like doctors and teachers and even police, looked the other way. So much has changed, both as a product of social consciousness and through the exponential growth of technological capability. I imagined what would happen if an organization or group of people used that technology not only to look in on Jerry, but to empower her.
Jared: I bring life experiences into all of my stories in some shape or form. Sometimes it is characters or experiences or thoughts on things from religion to politics. This time, it was very direct since I went with my Lyft experiences. To be honest, the things I mentioned were just the very tip of the ice berg.
Ryan: My story is light science fiction where a person is piloting a specific type of drone. In a sense, she is playing a video game only the stakes are life and death. So yes and no. I care about doing what’s right and have experienced loss. So yes.
Catherine: Not on purpose, though as I wrote, I realized I can relate to Sori. She’s someone who doesn’t quite belong, no matter what she does. I’m not sure I would want her particular powers, though.
Keith: There is one scene that is directly from a life experience. One of my main characters dies and has volunteered as an organ donor, which sets off some family drama. Myself, I’m an organ recipient. I’m alive because someone had volunteered as an organ donor.
James: Oh yes! In fact, I’d say it’s almost autobiographical with just a bit of embellishment. Readers would be surprised which parts really happened and which parts are…bent a little.
Andria: I brought my life experience in the sense that I had to keep thinking back to how awkward teenage boys were when I was in highschool, because it was hard to write the love interest for my character when I don’t usually write teens. It’s a lot easier to write female characters because I am one, but for the male characters, I really had to stop and think.
Kam: I ended up putting quite a bit of myself into the story. I’m also a person that doesn’t “fit in the boxes” society gives us.
I hope you enjoyed reading this conversation with Within Ear Shot – Rumors, Whispers, and Lies authors about the prompt for this collection. You can connect with the authors in the following ways:
September Roberts: Twitter Instagram Website Facebook
James Beers: Facebook
Kam Hadley: Twitter
Valarie Schenk: Instagram
Virginia Babcock: Facebook Twitter
Ryan Decaria: Facebook Twitter
Catherine Bloom: Twitter
If you want to check out Within Ear Shot – Rumors, Whispers, and Lies, find it on Goodreads.
All stock images from Unsplash.
How interesting!