The Calm Before the Story

By Wendy Miller-Norris

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORY is a collection of reads from the erratic mind of the author. Each story focuses on facing obstacles that are derived from a traumatic or dramatic event. In each of these stories the ending is THE CALM BEFORE THE STORY.

"Welcome to the Funhouse" is a story of a young man who faces his fears in an attempt to find the acceptance he never got from his father growing up. Bravely trying to complete his mission, he must deal with the voices in his head. The distinct personalities of each voice represents a purpose. Dissociative Identity Disorder overtakes his mental stability as he tries to escape his mind, and the funhouse.

"All for the Love of Ireland" was loosely inspired by a historical art heist. It's a bitter tale placed in an Irish Pub in the South Side of Boston where the drunken joviality is weighted down by serious issues. Cathal must choose between love and duty, while Maggie desperately confronts him on the importance of his decisions. Who will win, his heart or his honor?

"Magical Intrusions" encompasses a small space of time while two former lovers attempt to escape the pillaging and riots on the wild streets of Chicago. Liam, while attempting to save them, had sustained a life-threatening injury. Against his wishes, Keely uses magic powers to save his life, and effectively ends them forever. Or, for a little while.

"Vindication, Validation and Victory" is a quick read that reflects a bit of the life when you’re not part of the good ole boys club that was within the Bureau. Teagan needs to vindicate her father's death and validate her previous assessment as she races against a time clock to save lives. She confronts the very men who ridiculed her five years before. Will she be victorious in convincing the Unit Chief that she had been right all along?

"Finding Me" is a personal narrative essay documenting what started my journey to creating a new beginning for myself. A beginning where I had to search deep within in an attempt to build a better future. Happiness is a fleeting emotion so the focus is on personal goals and the inspiration behind those first monumental steps.

"Wisdom from the Past" is a story about not taking personal blame for other people's actions against you, and largely about forgiveness. It's a time travel piece that transports Sadie to a Native American encampment during the French and Indian War. An ancestor of hers departs the wisdom of forgiveness, and how it will allow her to soar.

"Into the Flames" follows Lacy, one of the Elite Smoke Jumpers in the United States, as she attempts to face the fire for the first time after the loss of someone important to her. Mere weeks have gone by since the Utah fire took the life of the HotShot who bravely fought by hand to contain the flames. Her pain is raw, and her fellow jumpers worry she's not ready. Will Lacy jump?

"The Witch's Desire" tells Brigid's story as she deals with the pain of having lost her heart's desire. In a Celtic ritual of the witches of old, she makes her offerings to the Goddesses and asks for clarity on if her heart will heal, or if she will live a lonely life full of sadness. A lightning bolt strikes her and knocks her unconscious. She awakens to her answer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wendy Miller-Norris
• Release date: Nov 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005749057

Wendy Miller-Norris

Wendy Miller-Norris is a romance novelist who specializes in contemporary and suspense. Wendy is currently earning her BFA in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. She is a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Three Rivers Romance Writers. Wendy divides her time between Pennsylvania and California where her favorite pastime is practicing Tai Chi along the central coast beaches and visiting her daughter.

Book preview

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