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Withering: A Novella
Lost, lonely, and losing his grip on reality, Elmer Winston searches for an end. As his new social worker, Dani, tries to convince him to believe in hope, Elmer remains mired in regret over a failed marriage and the devastating loss of his best friend, all while desperately struggling to defeat an illness that toys with his mind. When a raging storm awakens Elmer with a traumatic revelation, he is left with a personal battle for survival. Can he weather another storm? Or has his will to fight thoroughly withered?
118 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 27, 2014
12 people want to read
About the author
Kellie Elmore
5 books141 followersBorn in the city of Columbus, Ohio and relocated to a rural town in East Tennessee at an early age, Kellie Elmore is a self proclaimed Southerner at heart, and a writer who believes self-expression is most beautiful in its pure, raw and unedited form. She transforms the simplest words into something you can feel, often immersing her readers in a sense of nostalgia. Kellie finds inspiration in nature and in the humble surroundings of her “backyard” – Southeast Tennessee.
Through her charming prose and engrossing narratives, Kellie writes freely on many subjects both fiction and semi-autobiographical, penning her way through cherished and magical moments as well as tragic losses. Her goal is to take readers back, rekindle a memory or elicit a feeling.
Kellie’s debut collection was recently featured in Southern Writers Magazine and the reviews have been consistent, all agreeing that Magic in the Backyard is a must read. Her poetry was also selected and included in the Voice Your Verse project, an anthology titled “If the World Were Your Classroom” by shesthefirst.org, a cause which helps fund girls education.
Currently, Kellie is writing her first full length novel.
Through her charming prose and engrossing narratives, Kellie writes freely on many subjects both fiction and semi-autobiographical, penning her way through cherished and magical moments as well as tragic losses. Her goal is to take readers back, rekindle a memory or elicit a feeling.
Kellie’s debut collection was recently featured in Southern Writers Magazine and the reviews have been consistent, all agreeing that Magic in the Backyard is a must read. Her poetry was also selected and included in the Voice Your Verse project, an anthology titled “If the World Were Your Classroom” by shesthefirst.org, a cause which helps fund girls education.
Currently, Kellie is writing her first full length novel.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 25, 2014
Withering is a gripping novella that offers a glimpse into the loneliness of old age. Told from the perspective of Elmer, who finds himself old and alone, Withering thrusts the reader into the life of a very recognizable character. Elmer is your aging father or grandfather. He's your neighbor or your fellow parishioner, your third grade teacher or your former mail carrier. Anyone who has an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor knows Elmer and this book offers a vital look into what old and alone feels like.
Kellie Elmore is an incredibly talented writer. She tells the heart wrenching story of Elmer with a style that makes the pages almost turn by themselves. Withering is a fast read that you'll want to revisit again and again.
Kellie Elmore is an incredibly talented writer. She tells the heart wrenching story of Elmer with a style that makes the pages almost turn by themselves. Withering is a fast read that you'll want to revisit again and again.
August 27, 2014
Withering is a moving and emotionally charged story of an elderly man and his desperate search to find an end, to what he views as a miserable existence.
Elmer's marriage ended long ago, but his bitterness remains and now, with the death of his best friend, he feels more alone than ever. Trapped by the memories of what could have been, Elmer seeks solitude in his journals. He knows his children think he's crazy. He begins to acknowledge that his life is over and he fights demons from his past in hopes of gaining control of his mind. Can Elmer find a reason to live or will devastation and sorrow pave the way to his death?
I was immediately drawn in to this incredibly touching story. Elmer could be any of us. His character is easy to identify with. We all live with regrets, wishing we could change the past. Much like Elmer, some of us are left with a haunting feeling filled with despair and our hope to find happiness again has vanished. Kellie Elmore's eloquent writing and gift for eliciting emotion shine through in this touching story.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Withering.
Elmer's marriage ended long ago, but his bitterness remains and now, with the death of his best friend, he feels more alone than ever. Trapped by the memories of what could have been, Elmer seeks solitude in his journals. He knows his children think he's crazy. He begins to acknowledge that his life is over and he fights demons from his past in hopes of gaining control of his mind. Can Elmer find a reason to live or will devastation and sorrow pave the way to his death?
I was immediately drawn in to this incredibly touching story. Elmer could be any of us. His character is easy to identify with. We all live with regrets, wishing we could change the past. Much like Elmer, some of us are left with a haunting feeling filled with despair and our hope to find happiness again has vanished. Kellie Elmore's eloquent writing and gift for eliciting emotion shine through in this touching story.
I highly recommend picking up a copy of Withering.
August 28, 2014
Excellent portrayal of aging Elmer Winston, alone, lonely and slowly becoming imprisoned by his own mind. Elmer lives in a beat down trailer park in New Mexico. His wife left him, his kids took off, his best friend died. All Elmer has is his dog and an ancient Oldsmobile. No one can get close to him, not even his caseworker, Dani. One night a violent storm brings Elmer to a gut wrenching choice.
I think of this story as a brown, gold and orange piece of tapestry, rolling out in folds over the New Mexico clay. The layers keep building until the final sentence. Wonderful story with a poignant ending.
I think of this story as a brown, gold and orange piece of tapestry, rolling out in folds over the New Mexico clay. The layers keep building until the final sentence. Wonderful story with a poignant ending.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews