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My Final Chapter: A Legacy of Words
My Final Chapter: A Legacy of Words by Amy Shannon
This is a collection of short stories, flash fiction and essays that I’ve written over the years. I don’t know if I will ever add more stories, but they probably would only be short ones. I am writing this part very slowly, as my tremor disorder has been diagnosed as neurological, my condition has worsened, and my hands shake almost all the time, especially when I hand write or type. Writing has always been a part of me. I have some unfinished works but hopefully by the time this book is finished, those stories will be part of this, and finished as well.
The last words of this book, are the last words in a story, in a book, to be read by the public, written by me.
Foreword Written by McKensie Stewart
Cover Design: Bil Richardson
This is a collection of short stories, flash fiction and essays that I’ve written over the years. I don’t know if I will ever add more stories, but they probably would only be short ones. I am writing this part very slowly, as my tremor disorder has been diagnosed as neurological, my condition has worsened, and my hands shake almost all the time, especially when I hand write or type. Writing has always been a part of me. I have some unfinished works but hopefully by the time this book is finished, those stories will be part of this, and finished as well.
The last words of this book, are the last words in a story, in a book, to be read by the public, written by me.
Foreword Written by McKensie Stewart
Cover Design: Bil Richardson
351 pages, Paperback
Published December 28, 2021
About the author
Amy Shannon
179 books134 followersAmy Shannon (1972 - Present) is an American Storyteller, writer, poet, and blogger. Amy Shannon runs the book review website, which has become extremely popular for Indie authors and their books.
Amy's Bookshelf Reviews has its own Goodreads page at "Amy's Bookshelf Reviews".
In 2004, Amy was a cancer survivor. In 2005, she survived a domestic violence assault, which resulted in her spouse going to prison, and lifelong migraine headaches. Amy doesn't let that get in the way of taking care of her four boys, who are very supportive of their family, and her passion. In 2015, Amy received her Bachelors of Arts in English, and in 2017, she received Masters of Arts in Adult Education and Training. In 2019, she received her MBA, and is a member of the National Leadership Honor Society.
All of Amy's stories are about inner strength, as sometimes no one realizes how strong they truly can be until they think they've reached their limit. Amy Shannon is the author of over 100 stories, with more than half as part of different series or sagas.
Amy is now working on Nonfiction History books where the focus is on the area and people of her hometown.
Follow Amy on Twitter here:
"Twitter"
Jet a note to her at: writeramyshannon@gmail.com
"Facebook"
href="https://essenceenterpriseus.com/amy-s... "author blog,"
Indie Authors can request reviews at Amy's Bookshelf Reviews at "Amy's Bookshelf Reviews"
Amy's Bookshelf Reviews has its own Goodreads page at "Amy's Bookshelf Reviews".
In 2004, Amy was a cancer survivor. In 2005, she survived a domestic violence assault, which resulted in her spouse going to prison, and lifelong migraine headaches. Amy doesn't let that get in the way of taking care of her four boys, who are very supportive of their family, and her passion. In 2015, Amy received her Bachelors of Arts in English, and in 2017, she received Masters of Arts in Adult Education and Training. In 2019, she received her MBA, and is a member of the National Leadership Honor Society.
All of Amy's stories are about inner strength, as sometimes no one realizes how strong they truly can be until they think they've reached their limit. Amy Shannon is the author of over 100 stories, with more than half as part of different series or sagas.
Amy is now working on Nonfiction History books where the focus is on the area and people of her hometown.
Follow Amy on Twitter here:
"Twitter"
Jet a note to her at: writeramyshannon@gmail.com
"Facebook"
href="https://essenceenterpriseus.com/amy-s... "author blog,"
Indie Authors can request reviews at Amy's Bookshelf Reviews at "Amy's Bookshelf Reviews"
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 13, 2022
This is initially a series of short stories, and with the second one a high level of skill in writing with a sense of dread is on display. In the story, ‘Merchandise’ the building of suspense is designed skillfully, and quietly--the horror of what occurs is just a part of the story, and not as much designed to shock the reader. The final line is chilling.
As the rest of the stories unfold, the internal dialog is excellent. There are political connections throughout (not red or blue), sometimes subtle, sometimes stated right in the reader’s face.
The author's scene setting is stellar, example:
“The shades of color from the emerging sun stream on the earth, shining down on the water of the creeks, rivers, and oceans, while running through the gaps in the trees and leaves sending rays of light”
Throughout the book, there are layered plots, a variety of timeframes, and it is all set up with a framework that keeps the reader grounded. The use of the POV in the titles of the chapters, helps greatly. The section, The Retro, was written in a noticeably different style, probably because it was penned in the author’s teens. Just as good plotting and characterizations are on display even this early, however these are more abbreviated stories and scenes.
Of the poetry, I recommend Fate by Design. No particular reason, other than it resonated.
At the end is a swan song, a final good bye to a writing life that is poignant and told wonderfully.
As the rest of the stories unfold, the internal dialog is excellent. There are political connections throughout (not red or blue), sometimes subtle, sometimes stated right in the reader’s face.
The author's scene setting is stellar, example:
“The shades of color from the emerging sun stream on the earth, shining down on the water of the creeks, rivers, and oceans, while running through the gaps in the trees and leaves sending rays of light”
Throughout the book, there are layered plots, a variety of timeframes, and it is all set up with a framework that keeps the reader grounded. The use of the POV in the titles of the chapters, helps greatly. The section, The Retro, was written in a noticeably different style, probably because it was penned in the author’s teens. Just as good plotting and characterizations are on display even this early, however these are more abbreviated stories and scenes.
Of the poetry, I recommend Fate by Design. No particular reason, other than it resonated.
At the end is a swan song, a final good bye to a writing life that is poignant and told wonderfully.
December 19, 2023
My Final Chapter: A Legacy of Words is a truly interesting book that I read during my vacations. It's a reflection of reality, delving into narratives about family, friendship, and love. I found the stories easy to read because of their relatability. My favorite parts were the memories and poems that allowed me to dive into an ocean of emotions. I admire the authenticity and simplicity in her stories, enabling us to grasp the essence of the author's intended message.
I'm highly impressed by the author Amy Shannon as a strong woman, deserving genuine appreciation.
I'm highly impressed by the author Amy Shannon as a strong woman, deserving genuine appreciation.
February 27, 2022
A collection of short stories, poems, and plays make up this author's last published work. Since this book touches on her whole career, it is almost inherently uneven. The best analogy would be a musician's career retrospective box set.
There are some great stories, including the first two. Beware: there are some some very disturbing images in both stories, however, as well as in the rest of the book. "Worth" in particular needs a strong trigger warning. Nothing is overly graphic, but the abuse and violence is very matter-of-fact, which almost makes it hit harder.
"Plan B" was my favorite story. A former military black ops soldier, who is now a PI, uses his skills to make a difference and make up for past deeds. The characters' voices are very clear, and you understand why everyone does what they do.
There are also demos and alternative cuts. Three versions of the same characters meeting are funny and real. There are also some early writings from the author, which were my least favorite parts of the book. There are even live cuts: a short play and several poems.
Finally, there are interviews and retrospectives: The last part of the book is autobiographical, with stories of the author's family and her writing journey.
Overall, this was an interesting read. Uneven, but enjoyable.
There are some great stories, including the first two. Beware: there are some some very disturbing images in both stories, however, as well as in the rest of the book. "Worth" in particular needs a strong trigger warning. Nothing is overly graphic, but the abuse and violence is very matter-of-fact, which almost makes it hit harder.
"Plan B" was my favorite story. A former military black ops soldier, who is now a PI, uses his skills to make a difference and make up for past deeds. The characters' voices are very clear, and you understand why everyone does what they do.
There are also demos and alternative cuts. Three versions of the same characters meeting are funny and real. There are also some early writings from the author, which were my least favorite parts of the book. There are even live cuts: a short play and several poems.
Finally, there are interviews and retrospectives: The last part of the book is autobiographical, with stories of the author's family and her writing journey.
Overall, this was an interesting read. Uneven, but enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews