Short Stories > General Literacy

A move to Buffalo called for a walk through the old downtown with a camera. The photos from that day, sent to the newspaper, called for an article to explain them. That article led to interviews with chefs, farmers, surgeons and longtime Buffalonians. Those stories, interviews and NPR radio pieces are gathered here to explain just why people put up with all that snow and cold in Buffalo and love living there. If you've ever received a traffic ticket, moved a few times and had an equal number of garage sales, suffered through piano lessons as well as jury duty, had a good friend and lost a good friend--there's a story here for you.

For years the author slept in a tent, whizzed in a can, up in the dark, battling nerves and heat, chasing birds, boar and deer . . . What was it, he wondered? Among roadrunners, ex-dinosaurs, bump-in-the-night visitors and infernal temperatures, a narrative ensues. Only then is a sense of gratitude and revelation found in the dry wash of a season’s finale. John Graham is a California artist, oral historian and the creator of the El Fornio Story Cycle where Junipero Serra’s heart can be found in a jar. WWW.ELFORNIO.ORG

"Tangled Up In Plaid" is a collection of short stories including "Robin," "Purgatory," "The Diary of Marshall Kemp," and "Phantom Pain."

Sink back into your favorite chair with whiskey in hand, a candle burning bright, and your dogs at your feet. Journey into secret lands few will ever see. Kill for love, seek gold below jagged cliffs and receive a call from a being out in distant space. Twisted Mind is a book full of artistic cartoons and creative stories, most of them true. At eight years old I realized my mind was not healthy. I kept this secret most of my life fearing I would have to take drugs or live in a straight jacket if I ever mentioned it. Although there were some hard times I believe being "off" might have helped my creativity. I don't suffer from mental illness anymore.. I rather enjoy it. Excerpt fr ...