Carla Rexrode

The tales I have written in this book are divergent and strange. Some readers will enjoy many of them, others may only locate one story of interest, but even if only one idea strikes a readers fancy, my job has been a success. When I was a younger pup, I devoured the fiction publications containing short stories from Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, and Stephen King. Fiction with twisted endings, heroes transformed to villains, with every reader unsure of the outcome. There are no easy outcomes in the repertoires of these stellar authors. I do not claim to have these writers skills, savvy, or flair for drama, but I do believe there are periodic insights and surprises in the stories you will read here. If even one of you is entertained, then my job is accomplished. Enjoy the feast, as an author colleague of mine would say. Just be wary of where you left that turkey carving knife and the long-handledand sharpenedfork.