Status: A Novella

by Joshua Holmes

Status is the continuing story of Chris, experienced academic and freelance graphic designer with Epilepsy, seeking to please his latest client, aspiring author, Nadine, and to achieve a sense of normalcy, even as he adjusts to an unconventional, seizure treatment plan. It is the story of past friend, Michael, who, with each passing day, becomes a distant memory. Meanwhile, Hank, a local church servant, helps Chris acclimate to a new community in York, Pennsylvania. It is the continuing story of Mary Grace, of how, after the big date, Chris discovers she isn’t the classy woman he thought she was, or the one for him. It is the story of Greta, of her late, ironic introduction, of Chris’s new attraction to her, and of how she fills his existing void. It is a vivid reminder of the transition process, the search for integration, the impact of old and new relationships, and the importance of never forsaking life’s endless pursuit.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2024

About the author

A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University (M.Ed.), Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (B.A.), and the Art Institute of York-PA (B.S.), Joshua Holmes has studied the fine arts, design, and writing for over 20 years.

The sole proprietor and lead designer of JAHbookdesign, he also specializes in all areas of publishing, graphic design, and illustration (portraiture, animation, and wildlife). He has been commissioned by numerous collectors and authors within the community, and has won several awards in various shows and fairs. He has authored an autobiography, a how to series, and two fiction series about life with epilepsy, 16 novels to date - The Art of Pastel Mastery, The Art of Colored Pencil Mastery, The Art of Oil Paint Mastery, Memory Lapse, Grand Mal, Seizure, Status, Trigger, Design To Kill, Design For Justice, Shattered Lung, Design To Escape, Design For Honor, Design For Power, Design For The Cure, and Painting The Whole Picture: Portrait of an Artist with Epilepsy.

He attributes his success to the Lord, and the strength God gives him in order to persist and grow as a more patient and thorough artist and writer. A vision cut in both eyes from brain surgery for epilepsy, with the Lord's help, Josh continues to write, to see more detail, and to improve with time.

He encourages you to explore and exercise your creative side, and enjoy what the Lord does through it.