Beginnings

by J.C. Cole

There is always a beginning to any great story.

Controversial, humorous, suspenseful, inspirational, Beginnings sets the story in motion, and leaves your mind to wonder. Each plot is unraveled just enough to let your imagination take hold and run wild. This collection of stories explores a diverse variety of genres and story lines, bringing each to life through the eye of a camera.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2023

About the author

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, J. C. Cole spent most of his young adult life dearly holding on to the art and music scenes of Seattle, Washington. After finishing his degrees, he worked as a school teacher, focusing on helping kids and families find their path in life. He met his beautiful wife and mother to their future two sons in the most unlikely of circumstances. They quickly married, and with nothing but two suitcases and the clothes on his back, he flew to Amsterdam to be with her. It was there where he took on the project to write his first book "Beginnings," a short-story anthology, followed by an interactive children's book and an award winning memoir. He has now returned back with his family to the PNW were he released his new novel titled, "Leaving Seattle." He has recently released a young adult Science Fiction novel titled "Ordell's Constellation." Cole's writing has been both awarded and published in several literary magazines to include, Writer's Workshop, Vine Leaves Press, La Piccoletta Barca, Metaworker, the 50 Years of Hip-Hop Anthology, and Instant Noodles.

Reviews

[🩶 April • A.M. Flynn • 🩶 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book on GR. It was boring so I had to DNF it.

[Eric M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Beginnings

Beginnings is an interesting collection of introductions with many leaving you wanting more of the story. While some of the stories did not seem to match the photo prompt, others were a perfect match. An intriguing #GoodreadsGiveaway

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a goodreads drawing.

A bunch of vignettes that are the beginning of longer stories. They are a batch of different genres and subgenres. Most of them are entertaining.

Almost like reading a bunch of daily journal prompts.

[Mountain Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the photography and the stories. Really the first of it's kind.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. The premise was unique. It was kind of all over the place, but it was interesting. I found myself wishing the stories were longer, as some did have me intrigued. This was a unique concept and I personally haven't seen any books like this before, which made for an enjoyable read.

[Christian Jackson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Have you ever picked up a book and the first two pages hook you and you are ready to turn the page? This book does it over and over again. It’s one beginning after another. I hope the author will take these beginnings and finish some of them. Three or four beginnings left me wanting more.

[FluffyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing book that leaves you wanting more.

[Samantha The · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like books that break the boundaries of normal writing. This is a one that does just that. Short, smart, and sometimes strange stories that make you think.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised! These tiny stories are great for those looking for a quick reading fix.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

[Alex Helm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely some great and intriguing beginnings, I'd love to read the whole stories

[Payton Morgan · Rating 2 out of 5]

WAIT THIS WASN’T GREAT BUT WHY HAS NO ONE READ IT???

[Sebastian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been a huge fan of flash fiction, so this one hit home for me. I like the variety of pieces, and different genres that the author works with. As an aspiring writer myself, it is a great book to have on your coffee table for some quick inspiration.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic tiny stories of all different genres.

[Flo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not sure why anyone would rate this one star. I thought it was great! Different, but great!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short stories without endings. A great book for daily inspiration.

[Merve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Butler and the Career Change being my favorites, these short beginnings provide you with just the right amount of inspiration and wonder to dive into your own wild imagination. I loved the twists the author sprinkled in each story, they’re sure to leave you either amused or bewildered :)
Another great way to enjoy this piece is reading it with friends and hearing each other’s versions of what might come next in the story. What an original concept for a book!